Enhancing Ammonia Fuel Cell Efficiency with CeO2-Supported Ni and Ru Catalyst Layer
Key Ideas
  • Researchers from Fuzhou University developed a novel approach to improve the efficiency of direct ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells by adding a CeO2-supported Ni and Ru catalyst layer.
  • The study demonstrated that the addition of the catalyst layer significantly enhanced the electrochemical performance of the cells, leading to lower degradation rates at different temperatures, making it a promising step towards more sustainable energy sources.
  • Results indicated that Ru-based catalysts showed more promise for direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells (DA-SOFCs) at temperatures below 600 °C, while Ni-based catalysts were more effective at higher temperatures.
  • The research not only addressed technical challenges with ammonia fuel cells but also paved the way for the advancement and wider application of green energy technologies, contributing to the field of fuel cell technology.
In a recent study published in The Frontiers in Energy, researchers from Fuzhou University presented a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of direct ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells (DA-PCFCs). The team focused on improving the electrochemical performance of these cells by introducing a CeO2-supported Ni and Ru catalyst layer. The addition of this catalyst layer marked a significant advancement towards more environmentally friendly energy sources. Ammonia, due to its high hydrogen content and carbon neutrality, is emerging as an attractive fuel for solid oxide fuel cells. However, its broader application has been limited by the challenge of achieving satisfactory performance at intermediate temperatures. The development of DA-PCFCs relies on creating efficient catalysts that can improve ammonia breakdown and enhance electrochemical processes. The researchers used a CeO2-supported catalyst layer to rebuild the anode surface of DA-PCFCs, utilizing specific materials for the electrolyte and cathode. Their investigation involved examining the performance of the PCFC fueled by NH3 within a temperature range of 500–700 °C and comparing it with traditional hydrogen fuel. The study demonstrated that the electrochemical performance of the DA-PCFC was notably enhanced by the addition of the M(Ni, Ru)/CeO2 catalyst layer. Results showed a decrease in degradation ratio of peak power densities (PPDs) of Ni/CeO2-loaded PCFC fueled with NH3 at different temperatures compared to hydrogen fuel. The research highlighted the potential of CeO2-supported catalysts in improving the performance of DA-PCFCs, offering a promising path towards more sustainable and effective energy conversion systems. It also underlined the importance of addressing technical challenges with ammonia fuel cells and the broader application of green energy technologies, contributing significantly to the field of fuel cell technology.
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