Partial oxidation of methane for internally reformed solid oxide fuel cell

Internally reformed solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) where partial oxidation of methane was used as the reforming reaction were investigated. The electrical power generated as well as the activity for the partial oxidation of methane are strongly dependent on the oxide ion conductivity of the electrolyte used. Among the oxide ion conductors examined, perovskite oxide of LaGaO3 doped with Sr and Mg gives the highest electrical power, and a gaseous mixture of CO and H-2 at the molar ratio of 2 was obtained. When La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3, Ni, and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 were used as electrolyte, anode, and cathode, respectively, and the gaseous mixture of CH4/O = 4 was fed, the electrical power density and yield of synthesis gas consisting of CO and H-2 attained was 336 mW cm(-2) and 70%, respectively. The electrical power as well as the CH4 conversion was stably sustained over a 30 h examination.