Anode Fluidization of a Liquid Tin Anode SOFC Operated on Simulated Syngas

Abstract

Liquid tin has been widely employed as anodes in SOFCs to digest carbonaceous fuels. However, formation of a SnO 2 blocking film at electrochemical reactive sites hinders further electrochemical reaction and impedes steady power generation of fuel cell system. Here we managed to suppress the formation of isolating SnO 2 film by anode fluidization. Tubular LTA-SOFC has been fabricated and tested in present work. Fuels (H 2 and simulated syngas with different H 2 /CO ratios) are supplied to the electrochemical reactive interface between the anode and the electrolyte via a manner of anode fluidization. SnO 2 formed in anode was reduced by H 2 when the SOFC was discharged at a constant potential of 0.45V, and anode fluidization increased the fuel cell's power density by 50%. We anticipate that anode fluidization in this study will principally simplify the configuration of liquid tin anode SOFC and maintain the stable operation of the fuel cell system.

Liquid Antimony Anode for Converting Sulfur-Containing Coal in Direct Carbon Fuel Cells

“…Due to the sluggish nature of SnO 2 reduction, 12 the oxide would accumulate on the surface of the electrolyte, isolate the reactive interface from the anode materials, and, as a result, hinder the reactions. 13 Antimony (Sb) is another choice for liquid metal anodes. Similar to the reaction processes in liquid tin anodes, Sb 2 O 3 is the product of metal oxidation, and antimony sulfide (Sb 2 S 3 ) might be produced from sulfur in the fuel.…”