Conversion of methane to syngas in a solid oxide fuel cell with Ni–SDC anode and LSGM electrolyte

A solid oxide fuel cell constructed from Ni–SDC anode and LSGM electrolyte was applied to the partial oxidation of methane to syngas (CO+H2) at 700–800 °C with the merits of co-generation of electricity and controllable O2 supply. It was found that the co-generated syngas at H2/CO ratio of 1.4–2.0 varied with applied current densities, CH4 flow rates and operating temperatures. The cell voltage at 100 mA cm−2 and 800 °C was 0.90 V, i.e. about 90 mW cm−2 power density could be obtained. The cell operating at 50 mA cm−2 for 24 h almost showed no degradation of the cell performance. The observed carbon deposition seemed mainly taking place by CH4 cracking reaction.