Maria Sol Rau
Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT, Germany
Title: HT-PEMFC electrocatalystsapplied in desulfurization
Biography
Biography: Maria Sol Rau
Abstract
In a hydrogen challenged economy the implementation of a High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (HT-PEMFC) directly connected to a reformer is emerging as a promising technology. Several complicated issues of the LT-PEMFC can be avoided by increasing the working temperature up to 200°C. Nevertheless, hydrogen sulfide present in the reformated fuel causes irreversible deactivation of Pt electrocatalyst. For this reason, at Fraunhofer ICT one of our electrochemical research activities is to develop innovative materials that combine high reactivity to the hydrogen oxidation reaction with elevated tolerance to H2S. In this regard, last year a highly active Pt-based bimetallic electrocatalyst which combines both characteristics was found. An additional advantage of this bimetallic material is that the amount of Pt used is significantly reduced in comparison to commercial catalyst. The higher tolerance to H2S was determined to be related with tits enhanced capability to convert H2S in to SO2, detected in the outlet gas by mass spectrometry. This is an interesting aspect to be considered where new desulfurization techniques are being developed. As an extension of the Fuel Cell application, it was noticed that this type of bimetallic material can be used as a solid electrode to catalyze the oxidation of gaseous H2S at 145°C The aim of the current presentation is to introduce the employment of a HT-PEMFC electrocatalyst for electrochemical desulfurization in the petrochemical industry.
