Solid-oxide fuel cell operated on in situ catalytic decomposition products of liquid hydrazine

Hydrazine was examined as a fuel for a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that employed a typical nickel-based anode. An in situ catalytic decomposition of hydrazine at liquid state under room temperature and ambient pressure before introducing to the fuel cell was developed by applying a Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3-δ (BSCF) oxide catalyst. Catalytic testing demonstrated that liquid N₂H₄ can be decomposed to gaseous NH₃ and H₂ at a favorable rate and at a temperature as low as 20 °C and H₂ selectivity reaching values as high as 10% at 60 °C. Comparable fuel cell performance was observed using either the in situ decomposition products of hydrazine or pure hydrogen as fuel. A peak power density of ∼850 mW cm^-2 at 900 °C was obtained with a typical fuel cell composed of scandia-stabilized zirconia and La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO₃ cathode. The high energy and power density, easy storage and simplicity in fuel delivery make it highly attractive for portable applications.