Electrolyte effect on the catalytic performance of Ni-based catalysts for direct internal reforming molten carbonate fuel cell

An active and tolerant Ni based catalyst for methane steam reforming in direct internal reforming molten carbonate fuel cells (DIR MCFCs) was developed Deactivation of reforming catalysts by alkali metals from the electrolyte composed of Li2CO3 and K2CO3 is one of the mayor obstacles to be overcome in commercialization of DIR MCFCs Newly developed Ni/MgSiO3 and Ni/Mg2SiO4 reforming catalysts show activities of ca 80% methane conversion Subsequent to electrolyte addition to the catalyst however the activity of Ni/Mg2SiO4 decreases to ca 50% of its initial value whereas Ni/MgSiO3 catalyst retains its initial activity Results obtained from temperature programmed reduction and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy identify unreduced Ni3+ as a decisive factor in keeping catalytic activity from the electrolyte (C) 2010 Professor T Nejat Veziroglu Published by Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved