Conversion of propane to propylene in a proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cell

The feasibility of conversion of propane to propylene in a fuel cell using yttrium-doped barium cerate as the proton-conducting electrolyte and platinum as anode and cathode catalysts was investigated. The distribution of gas products from anode outlet was analyzed by gas chromatography and, discussed under open circuit conditions and when discharging the fuel cell. Under open circuit conditions, because there were only chemically catalytic reactions and thermal reactions in the anode chamber, the gas slate was little selective to propylene. However, the propylene selectivity was obviously enhanced when discharging the fuel cell, through activating the electro-catalytic dehydrogenation of propane. The propylene yield obtained from the electro-catalytic reaction reached 70-80%. In addition, relatively good fuel cell performances were achieved. The influences of the operating temperature and propane flow rate on the fuel cell performances were also discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.