Catalytic biogas conversion under polarization – POLCA

The main objective of the project is to contribute to the deeper understanding of the various phenomena involved in the catalytic reforming reactions of fuels to produce hydrogen when the catalytic process is based on the use of oxygen-permeable membranes, i.e. in conditions where the reactions are necessarily influenced by the transport of O2- ions to the catalytic site. It focuses on the use and the valorization of biogas produced by anaerobic digestion of organic wastes (methanizers). To this respect and as an innovative approach, it is intended to take into account the presence of main impurities (S containing compounds and NH3) in the study. Thus the poisoning effect of S containing compounds on the reforming catalysts will be addressed under the influence of polarization with the hope of finding new strategies to overcome this major issue. The conversion of S containing compounds and NH3 will be also a major concern of the project in view of assessing the harmfulness of emissions released in the atmosphere after the process. Finally the risk of formation of carbon deposits commonly reported in the case of reforming of hydrocarbons will be examined. On these bases, effort will be put into the preparation and the study of innovative catalytic materials with conductive properties showing improved catalytic behavior in dry/steam reforming of methane (resistance to carbon formation, resistance to poisoning, low harmful emissions). Noble metal (NM) based materials will be studied with the aim of decreasing the NM loading. The preparation of mixed oxides with improved activity as substitutes to NM catalysts will be also investigated. The influence of the polarization will be carefully studied experimentally and compared with data obtained from modeling. Findings will be applied to design a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell fed with biogas containing main impurities (H2S and NH3) and operating at intermediate temperatures (700-800°C). The end-product will integrate a Catalytic Anodic Membrane layer deposited on an optimized commercially available Ni cermet anode and aiming at converting methane into hydrogen and hydrogen into electrical power. The objective of reaching electrical power more than 0.5 W.cm-2 at 800°C and stable operation for more than 1000 h will be targeted with the elaboration of original Cu based current collectors prepared by screen printing.