Steam Reforming and Partial Oxidation of Methane over Nickel/Zirconia Anodes in Internally Reforming SOFCs

摘要

Steam reforming and partial oxidation of methane over nickel/zirconia cermet anodes has been studied, as part of the development of an SOFC system working on natural gas. Both reactions have been studied over the temperature range 650-950°C over a range of methane/oxidant ratios, in each case determining methane conversion, reaction selectivity and the nature and level of carbon deposition on the anode during reaction, thus enabling a full evaluation of both reactions over a full range of realistic operating conditions. Both reactions have been studied over pre-reduced and non-reduced nickel/zirconia anodes. A particular focus has been carbon formation on the anode over the range of operating regimes studied, and to the comparison of the steam reforming and partial oxidation of methane over the nickel/zirconia anodes over these operating regimes.