In-plane distribution of carbon deposition on SOFCs

SOFC can directly utilize not only hydrogen but also various fuels such as city gas, kerosene, and others by internal reforming reaction on anodes. However, impurities and un-reformed hydrocarbon in fuels can cause degradation associated with carbon deposition. In this study, in-plane distribution of carbon deposition was evaluated using planar cells with an electrode area of 4 cm by 4 cm. The 2-dimensional distribution of deposited carbon has been visualized, where the carbon deposition was accelerated in the coexistence of C3H8 and H2S as minor constituents in simulated prereformed CH4-based fuels.