Partial oxidation of methane over fuel cell type reactor for simultaneous generation of synthesis gas and electric power

A novel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) type catalytic reactor utilizing parti al oxidation of methane (CH4 + 1/20(2) = CO+2H(2)) as internal reforming re action was investigated in the present study. Large electric power, CO-H-2 mixture with molar ratio of 2, and heat energy were obtained simultaneously by applying LaGaO3 based perovskite as electrolyte of fuel cells. Since La GaO3 based oxide exhibits fast oxide ion conduction, large electric power w as obtained. The electric power was further increased by doping small amoun t of Co or Fe, whilst the open circuit potential decreased due to hole cond uction. In spite of 0.5 mm thickness of electrolyte, a maximum power densit y and yield of synthesis gas were obtained at 731 mW/cm(2) and 21 % at 1273 K respectively on the cell for which Fe doped LaGaO3 based oxide was used. In addition, partial oxidation of methane only occurred in the cell, since the molar ratio of formed CO and H-2 was always 1/2. Therefore, partial ox idation of methane with SOFC is highly attractive from simultaneous generat ion of energy and useful compound. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.