Article: Zirconia catalyst increases solid oxide fuel cell efficiency.(FUEL CELLS)

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that incorporates a novel thin-film catalyst layer through which the hydrocarbon fuel flows toward the anode.

The porous layer, which contains stabilized zirconia and small amounts of the metals ruthenium and cerium, converts the fuel to hydrogen in a highly efficient manner, the researchers say.

Specifically, when placed over the anode, the reforming layer produces hydrogen from a pure hydrocarbon fuel called iso-octane, which is similar to petrol (gasoline), achieving power densities of 0.3 to 0.6 W.cm-2.

In the past, carbon build up on nickel anodes within ...

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