Solid-oxide fuel cell operated on in situ catalytic decomposition products of liquid hydrazine

Hydrazine was examined as a fuel for a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that employed atypical nickel-based anode. An in situ catalytic decomposition of hydrazine at liquid state under room temperature and ambient pressure before introducing to the fuel cell was developed by applying a Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta (BSCF) oxide catalyst. Catalytic testing demonstrated that liquid N2H4 can be decomposed to gaseous NH3 and H-2 at a favorable rate and at a temperature as low as 20 degrees C and H-2 selectivity reaching values as high as 10% at 60 degrees C. Comparable fuel cell performance was observed using either the in situ decomposition products of hydrazine or pure hydrogen as fuel. A peak power density of similar to 850 MW cm(-2) at 900 degrees C was obtained with a typical fuel cell composed of scandia-stabilized zirconia and La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 cathode. The high energy and power density, easy storage and simplicity in fuel delivery make it highly attractive for portable applications. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.