Characterisation of direct ammonia proton conducting tubular ceramic fuel cells for maritime applications

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability Materials for energy and sustainability, 2022-12, Vol.11 (1), p.352-363
• Main Authors: Nowicki, Kamil M, Carins, George, Bayne, John, Tupberg, Chayopas, Irvine, Gavin J, Irvine, John T. S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ammonia; Carbon; Carbon content; Electric power; Electrodes; Electrolytic cells; Fuel cells; Fuel technology; Marine transportation; Maximum power density; Physical properties; Protons
• ISSN: 2050-7488; 2050-7496
• DOI: 10.1039/d2ta07310b

Ammonia is now being widely considered as a carrier for low carbon hydrogen due to its favourable physical properties and the existing infrastructure for its transport, storage and distribution. The direct utilisation of ammonia in Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells (PCFCs) has the advantages of ammonia cracking activity and avoiding mixing of ammonia with generated steam. Here we seek to demonstrate a low-carbon electrical power generation system based on a PCFC fueled by ammonia for port and maritime applications. The performance of a 36 cm 2 tubular cell with a proton conductive BaCe 0.7 Zr 0.1 Y 0.16 Zn 0.04 O 3− δ (BCZYZ) electrolyte, composite Ni/BaCe 0.7 Zr 0.1 Y 0.16 Zn 0.04 O 3− δ (Ni/BCZYZ) fuel electrode and La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Co 0.5 Fe 0.5 O 3− δ /BaCe 0.7 Zr 0.1 Y 0.16 Zn 0.04 O 3− δ LSCF/BCZYZ air electrode has been investigated using pure ammonia fuel. The tested cell generated up to 8.5 W with a maximum power density of 0.236 W cm −2 at 750 °C. The cell was operated in pure NH 3 , repeatedly characterised using I - V and EIS techniques, and tested under load to generate current for more than 140 h, with a fairly stable performance at a current above 8 A. A tubular cell with a BCZYZ electrolyte was fabricated by the extrusion and dip coating. The cell was tested for an extended operation time of 170 h in pure ammonia fuel, showing exceptional stability and potential for direct ammonia fuel cell.