Carbon Deposition Mitigation Strategies in Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: A Case Study with Biomass Fuels

Methanol and ethanol, when used as biomass fuels, demonstrate distinct benefits compared to hydrogen in proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (PCFCs) applications. Nevertheless, employing these biomass fuels in PCFCs encounters a significant obstacle due to carbon deposition, adversely affecting the cells' longevity. To mitigate this issue, a dendritic pore channel anode design was implemented to optimize the fuel distribution and utilization efficiency. Additionally, the approach incorporates a co-reforming strategy of fuel and steam, operating the cell under stable output current conditions to mitigate carbon deposition in the cell. Furthermore, the integration of Ru-GDC nanofiber catalysts enhanced the cell's resistance to carbon deposition and improved its stability. Techniques such as argon and oxygen purging, along with thermal regeneration, were investigated for carbon removal. These approaches have proven to be effective in diminishing carbon buildup and restoring cell functionality. Applying these strategies, PCFCs equipped with Ru-GDC fiber catalysts, operating at a stable 700 °C current, demonstrated prolonged stability for 117 h with methanol and 96 h with ethanol, markedly surpassing the performance of untreated cells. These advancements not only alleviate carbon deposition issues in PCFCs utilizing methanol and ethanol but also enhance the potential of biomass fuels in PCFC applications.