Sulphur tolerance of Au-modified Ni/GDC during catalytic methane steam reforming. Issue 6 (19th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sapountzi, F. M.; Zhao, C.; Boréave, A.; Retailleau-Mevel, L.; Niakolas, D.; Neofytidis, C.; Vernoux, P.
• Is Part Of: Catalysis science & technology. Volume 8:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 1578
• Page End: 1588
• Publication Date: 2018-02-19
• Subjects: Catalysis -- Periodicals; 541.395
• DOI: 10.1039/c8cy00107c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-4753

Abstract

Abstract : Au doping and high calcination temperatures improve the sulphur tolerance of Ni/GDC, a potential SOFC anode. Abstract : Small traces of H2 S in natural gas can cause significant degradation in the performance of solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating under direct internal reforming conditions. This study investigates the sulphur resistance of Au-doped Ni/GDC (gadolinia-doped ceria) powders to assess their potential use as anode materials during catalytic methane steam reforming in presence of H2 S. It was found that both the presence of Au and annealing at high temperatures have promoting effects on the stability of the catalytic performances. This was attributed to limited sulphur diffusion from the GDC surface to the catalytically active Ni sites. Moreover, H2 S chemisorption experiments indicated that Au can limit the formation of strongly bonded sulphur compounds due the formation of Au–Ni alloys, thus demonstrating that Au-modified Ni/GDC is a promising anode material for SOFCs using natural gas as a fuel.