Realization of Gradual Direct Internal Reforming on SOFC Anode by Controlling its Meso/Microstructure

固体氧化物燃料电池(SOFC)是一种高效率的发电机，最近已作为住宅系统商业化。降低成本是剩下的问题之一。如果成功地将碳氢燃料直接内部重整(DIR)引入SOFC系统，则可以消除系统中的重整装置，降低系统成本。然而，由于重整反应的吸热性质很强，DIR会在系统中引起严重的温度梯度，这可能会导致易碎的陶瓷电池破裂。在本研究中，我们研究了SOFC多孔阳极微结构对重整反应的影响。研究发现，通过控制多孔结构可以实现逐步重整反应。

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a high efficiency power generator and has recently been commercialized as a residential system. Cost reduction is one of the remaining problems. If the direct-internal reforming (DIR) of hydrocarbon fuel is successfully introduced to SOFC systems, the reformer can be eliminated from the system and the system cost will be lowered. Because of the strong endothermic nature of the reforming reaction, however, the DIR causes a severe temperature gradient in the system that may result in the cracks of the fragile ceramic cells. In this research, we investigated the effects of the microstructure of the SOFC porous anode on the reforming reaction. It was found that the gradual reforming reaction could be achieved by controlling the porous microstructure.