A Direct Hydrocarbon Solid Acid Fuel Cell

Solid-state fuel cells operating at intermediate temperatures of 200300 degrees C are attractive energy conversion devices because they combine many advantages of high- and low-temperature fuel cells, i.e., high durability to CO poisoning, simplified water management, increased energy conversion efficiency, and application of metals and resins for construction materials, etc. However, they have not yet been developed because of the absence of good ionic conductors with high thermal stability at intermediate temperatures. Due to their higher operating temperature, solid acid fuel cells are tolerant to the presence of percent levels of CO and have the potential to operate using a direct hydrocarbon feed. To further develop the solid acid fuel cell, Giner, Inc., based on its experience in high temperature electrolyte development, will develop the high temperature electrolyte for use in a solid acid fuel cell operating on a direct hydrocarbon gas feed. The fuel cell will be designed to operate over a wide temperature range. Specific objectives include anode catalyst fabrication, solid acid development, and single cell and three-cell stack fuel cell operation. When fully developed, the solid acid fuel cell system will produce 50 W with a minimum system energy density of 1000 Wh/kg.