Direct conversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock (e.g. natural gas) to electricity in a fuel cell system, either by pre-reforming or direct reforming in an SOFC, is a major objective of the fuel cell community. However, carbon formation and the resultant catalyst deactivation of reforming catalysts is a significant problem in hydrocarbon reforming and direct reforming of hydrocarbon gases in SOFC systems. Carbon formation on catalysts has been studied extensively for many years and much effort is being put into developing catalysts that are resistant to carbon formation. Although many promising catalysts have been developed, catalyst deactivation by carbon formation remains a major obstacle to developing robust SOFC systems operating on natural gas and logistics fuels.

The objective of this project is to develop a low cost sensor for detection of carbon formation (coking) on reforming catalysts in SOFC systems. The device will be fabricated at the Colorado School of Mines using technology developed in the CFCC for SOFC fabrication. The sensor will detect the presence of carbon formation by measuring the electrical impedance across a thin catalyst layer. Carbon formation on the catalyst layer increases electrical conductivity across the catalyst, leading to a response from the sensor that alerts the system operator or control system that a coking condition exists. Prototype sensors have been built and demonstrated in the Colorado Fuel Cell Center (CFCC). Once developed and initially tested, the sensors will be tested in SOFC reforming environments at the CFCC.

Colorado School of Mines: Prof. Jason Porter

Development of a low-cost coking sensor