ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses utilization of alcohol and other hydrocarbon-based fuels to generate electricity in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). One of the key advantages of SOFC is that both external as well internal fuel reforming is possible to operate the fuel cell under stable conditions. While alcohol fuels can be obtained sulfur-free and in high purity, hydrocarbon fuels have higher energy density and existing infrastructure of production and distribution. Development of more energy-efficient and chemically stable electrode materials is necessary for SOFC operating at high (800–1000°C) and intermediate (500–800°C) temperatures. Significant progress has been made in recent years in the development of carbon monoxide-tolerant fuel electrodes (anodes) to prevent carbon deposition on the catalyst that results in a reduced performance of the fuel cell. Development of fuel electrodes compatible with alcohol and hydrocarbon fuels will lead to more efficient and widespread applications of SOFCs in double-chamber and single-chamber modes.
