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Advancements in Direct Ammonia Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells
Recent developments in energy conversion technologies have underscored the potential of ammonia as a clean fuel source. A study from Fuzhou University, detailed in Frontiers in Energy, introduces a promising method to enhance the performance of direct ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells (DA-PCFCs).
The research team demonstrated the effectiveness of a catalyst layer that utilizes CeO2-supported nickel (Ni) and ruthenium (Ru), significantly improving the electrochemical efficiency of these fuel cells and moving closer to sustainable energy solutions.
Ammonia is increasingly recognized as a viable fuel for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) due to its rich hydrogen content and carbon neutrality. However, the challenge of achieving effective energy conversion at intermediate temperatures of 500 to 600 degrees Celsius has posed barriers to its broader implementation.
The advancement of robust catalysts to facilitate ammonia decomposition and improve electrochemical reactions is essential for the development of DA-PCFCs. Under the guidance of researchers Yu Luo and Yunyun Huang, the team from Fuzhou University, along with collaborators from Beijing Institute of Technology and Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, focused on enhancing the anode surface of DA-PCFCs through the use of a specialized CeO2-supported catalyst layer.
The study culminated in the creation of an electrolyte-supported PCFC, featuring BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3–δ (BZCY) as the electrolyte and Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (BSCF) as the cathode. The researchers rigorously tested the cell’s performance using ammonia as fuel across a temperature range of 500 to 700 degrees Celsius, in comparison to traditional hydrogen fuels.
The introduction of the M(Ni,Ru)/CeO2 catalyst layer yielded notable improvements in the DA-PCFC’s electrochemical performance. Comparatively, the degradation rates of peak power densities (PPDs) when using ammonia showcased a marked reduction, with PPDs decreasing to 13.3% at 700°C and 30.7% at 500°C, indicating enhanced stability over temperature variations.
Moreover, the findings reveal that Ru-based catalysts exhibit increased efficacy for direct ammonia SOFCs (DA-SOFCs) at temperatures below 600°C; however, their performance advantage diminishes above 600°C when compared to Ni-based catalysts.
This study not only signifies advancements in fuel cell technology but also illustrates the potential of CeO2-supported catalysts in optimizing DA-PCFCs. The improved electrochemical properties and reduced degradation rates throughout various operating temperatures pave the way for the development of more efficient energy conversion systems.
Through addressing the technical challenges associated with ammonia fuel cells, this research lays crucial groundwork for the future commercialization of sustainable energy technologies.
More information: Xiaoxiao Li et al, Performance-enhanced direct ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells using CeO2-supported Ni and Ru catalyst layer, Frontiers in Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0959-z
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phys.org