EPSAM

I graduated from Keele University in 2011 with a 1^st class BSc (Hons) Chemistry and Forensic Science degree.  I returned to Keele in September 2011 to begin my PhD under the supervision of Prof. Mark Ormerod within the Catalysis and Sustainable Materials Group.

Modelling Accelerated Fuel Cell Degradation – A Study into Alternative Perovskite Anodes for Reforming Biogas

Reforming methane using carbon dioxide is a reaction of particular interest to generate synthesis gas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) whilst consuming two greenhouse gases [equation 1]. This reaction is especially relevant to biogas as carbon dioxide and methane are the principal constituents of biogas, including that generated via anaerobic digestion of biomass.  This is a prevalent process around the globe and one that is underutilised particularly in more developed countries. In some less developed countries biogas is produced, and then used to provide light and heat to communities that do not have conventional power supplies.

CH₄ + CO₂ ? 2H₂ + 2CO

The reforming of methane using carbon dioxide direct internal reforming solid oxide fuel cells (DIR-SOFC) for generation of electricity has been studied by a number of groups.  However, the most commonly used anode technology for utilising this fuel source in SOFCs; nickel supported on yttria-stabilised zirconia (Ni/YSZ), has lifetime issues that prevent this technology from being viable.

One of the most problematic lifetime issues is that of sulphur poisoning. This is caused by sulphur-containing compounds in the biogas that are generated during the digestion process.  Sulphur concentrations as low as a few parts per billion can cause complete loss of catalytic activity at the anode. This can be attributed to formation of stable nickel-sulphur species that lower and eventually eliminate the number of active sites available for the reforming reaction.

My research focusses on the testing of hydrothermally synthesised perovskites for the viability as catalysts for reforming methane using carbon dioxide. A major aim of the work is to provide a comprehensive comparison to standard SOFC anodes whilst exploring the reaction characteristics.