MoOx-based Multifunctional structures for Jet-A-Fed Fuel Cell Systems

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop a liquid-fed solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) in a button form using a molybdenum dioxide (MoO2)-based micro-internal reforming layer. The proposed multifunctional layer SOFC could be the critical enabling technology needed to build a robust fuel cell system for warship power generation. The major current technological limitation in utilizing fuel cells as an efficient energy converter to generate clean electricity is the absence of suitable anodes that can operate with current logistic fuels such as Jet-A, JP-5, and fuels of the future that will be derived from biomass. Conventional Ni-based SOFCs are prone to coking and quickly deactivate when logistic fuels are directly fed without the use of complex external fuel processors. At Washington State University (WSU), the PIs have developed and patented a novel nanoparticle molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) catalyst that has enhanced sulfur and coking tolerance and is effective in reforming logistic fuels from both fossil and non-fossil sources. For the proposed program, the PIs will utilize these MoO2-based catalysts to fabricate a coke resistant and sulfur tolerant micro-internal reforming layer directly over a Ni-based anode as a filter. Our hypothesis is that it is possible to prevent coking and achieve a high power density output with long-term stability from a conventional Ni-based SOFC under the direct feeding condition by introducing the micro-reforming layer. To achieve our research objective, the PIs will first further improve the reforming performance of MoO2 nanoparticles towards logistic fuel reforming by dispersing them over a suitable silica-alumina support and alloying them with a small amount of Ni to form Ni-MoOx nanoparticles. By utilizing the supported Ni-MoOx nanoparticles, the PIs will optimize the design of the proposed multifunctional layer SOFC for maximum power density output.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2016
Source ID
N000141512416

Entities

People

  • Su Ha

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • Washington State University

Tags

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Research Science/Academic Research

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology