Ammonia-fed reversible protonic ceramic fuel cells with Ru-based catalyst.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion and Storage

Background:

• Intermediate temperature operation (~400-600°C) of RePCFCs enables ammonia utilization.
• Ammonia offers high energy density and carbon-neutral fuel potential.
• Development of efficient catalysts and electrolytes is crucial for RePCFC performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate anode-supported RePCFCs with advanced electrolyte and catalyst.
• To evaluate the performance of RePCFCs fueled by ammonia.
• To assess the fuel production capabilities of the RePCFC system.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of anode-supported RePCFCs with a thin, dense protonic ceramic electrolyte.
• Integration of a novel Ru-(BaO)2(CaO)(Al2O3) (Ru-B2CA) reversible ammonia catalyst.
• Performance testing under ammonia fuel at various temperatures and pressures, including fuel production mode.

Main Results:

• Achieved maximum power generation of 877 mW cm⁻² at 650°C with ammonia fuel.
• Demonstrated stable operation at 600°C for up to 1250 hours.
• Reported ammonia production rates exceeding 1.2 × 10⁻⁸ mol NH₃ cm⁻² s⁻¹ at ambient pressure and 2.1 × 10⁻⁶ mol NH₃ cm⁻² s⁻¹ at 12.5 bar.

Conclusions:

• Anode-supported RePCFCs with a novel catalyst show excellent performance for ammonia utilization.
• The developed RePCFC system is suitable for both energy generation and fuel production.
• This technology presents a viable solution for carbon-neutral energy storage and utilization.