Direct utilization of hydrocarbon fuels in high temperature solid oxide electrolyte fuel cells

Utilization of hydrocarbon fuels such as methane and bottled natural gas has been successfully demonstrated in the operation of high-temperature solid oxide electrolyte fuel cells. Previous experimental work is reviewed, and the operation of air tubular fuel cells containing yttria-stabilized-zirconia solid electrolyte at 1000 degrees C and 250 mA/cm/sup 2/ current density, maintaining fuel and oxidant utilizations of 85% and 25%, respectively, is reported. Stable cell voltages and hydrocarbon reformation profiles along the cell length were obtained during the cell tests.<>