A Study of the Electrochemical Characteristics of Single-Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Based on Platinum and Strontium-Doped Lanthanum Manganite Electrodes and Fed with a Methane–Air Mixture

The properties of single-chamber solid oxide fuel cells (SC SOFCs) composed of an electrolyte based on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), a platinum anode, and a strontium-doped lanthanum manganite (LSM) cathode and fed with a methane–air mixture in a temperature range of 500–750°C have been studied. It has been shown that, in the presence of LSM, the methane conversion in the oxidation reaction at 650°C does not exceed 10%; therefore, LSM can be used as a cathode material in SC SOFCs. It has been shown that a Pt|YSZ|LSM cell makes it possible to generate electricity. The maximum specific power (36 mW/cm2), voltage (0.85 V), and short-circuit current density (132 mA/cm2) are achieved at 700°C, a [CH4]/[O2] ratio of ~1.0, and a reaction mixture feed rate of 330 cm3/min. The study has shown that it is possible to design SC SOFCs fed with a methane–air mixture, which are capable of generating electrical power. The methane remaining after the operation of SC SOFCs can be used to generate heat or converted to synthesis gas, which is used as a feedstock, for example, in the production of ammonia, methanol, or hydrocarbons by the Fischer–Tropsch process.