Development of a high-performance PEFC module operated by reformed gas

Improvements in the CO tolerance of the anode has been studied with the obj ective of developing PEFC modules operated with reformed gas. The CO tolera nce of the Pt-Ru alloy anode was improved by reducing its thickness from 40 mu m to 20 mu m Maintaining a saturated steam pressure of the fuel cell an ode gas outlet is expected to decrease the influence of CO poisoning. When keeping sufficient water content in the feed fuel, it was established that the cell performance was stable over a wide range of air-humidification con ditions. Successful operation was achieved with a 1 kW class system utilizi ng the improved GO-tolerant anode and fuel processor. An output power of 1. 1 kW (average cell voltage: 0.62 V) was achieved at the current density of 0.3 A/cm(2). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.