Structured Catalyst for Indirect Internal Reforming (IIR) of Biogas in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

Abstract

The aim of this work is the development of a structured catalyst for the dry reforming of biogas to be used as a pre–reformer in the indirect internal reforming configuration (IIR) of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The structured catalyst is based on NiCrAl foams coated with ruthenium (nominal loading 3.0 wt%) supported on a CaZr0.85Sm0.15O3−δ (CZS) perovskite oxide. The powder is produced by solution combustion synthesis and deposited on metallic foams by the wash–coating method. Catalytic tests for the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction are carried out at 850 °C, 700 °C and 550 °C for an overall 50 h with CH4/CO2 = 1 and p = 1.3 bar at different gas hourly space velocities (GHSVs). The final goal is a proof–of–concept: a laboratory validation of an IIR–SOFC fed by biogas. The carbon amount on spent structured catalysts is evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and microstructural/compositional investigation.