The 9th International Conference on Energy, Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development (ERESD 2022)

Efficient utilization of oxygen-bearing low concentration coal-bed methane (LC-CBM) via solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) device to generate power is highly attractive and receives tremendous attention. However, it is highly limited by the low conversion efficiency and coking tolerance during the operation. Hence, in this study, an anode with vertical microchannels coupled with highly active catalysts (Ni-Y₂O₃-Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂) and anode functional layer are integrated in a SOFC reactor to boost the partial oxidation of methane (POM) efficiency and enlarge the active electrochemical reaction area. Benefiting from the integrated SOFC reactor, the methane conversion efficiency is increased from 23.59% to 43.22 % at 750°C when using 16% CH₄-4%O₂-80%N₂ as fuel. Meanwhile, the related peak power density is increased from 904 mW cm^-2 to 1208 mW cm^-2. The integrated SOFC reactor can steadily operate at 750°C for more than 100 h without any degradation, indicating the excellent anti-coking performance. Consequently, the proposed integrated SOFC reactor provides a great application potential for the efficient utilization of LC-CBM.

Low concentration coal-bed methane, Solid oxide fuel cells, Vertical microchannels, Surface modification, Infiltrating catalysts.