The catalytic performance of Ni/MgSiO3 catalyst for methane steam reforming in operation of direct internal reforming MCFC

Abstract

Active and tolerant Ni-based catalyst for methane steam reforming in direct internal reforming molten carbonate fuel cell (DIR-MCFC) was developed. Deactivation of reforming catalysts by alkali metals from electrolyte composed of Li2CO3 and K2CO3 is one of the major obstacles to be overcome in commercialization of DIR-MCFC. Newly developed Ni/MgSiO3 reforming catalyst showed activities of ca. 82% methane conversion for 240 min in out-of-cell test. In duration test, the unit cell containing Ni foam impregnated with Ni/MgSiO3 in anode gas channel did not give performance degradation for more than 2000 h, while the unit cell assembled with Ni/MgSiO3-coated anode showed a significant performance loss after an operation of 1200 h. Results obtained from X-ray diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller technique revealed that Ni sintering and support deterioration were decisive factors in decreasing the catalytic activity. (C) 2010 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.