Work

Tandem Rh-based structured reformer and Ni-YSZ SOFC for decentralized gasoline-to-power conversion

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This work reports on the performance of a 0.24 wt.% Rh/Ce₀.₇₅Zr₀.₂₅O₂–δ–η-Al₂O₃/FeCrAl structured catalyst in the autothermal reforming of commercial gasoline with a research octane number of 92. Stable syngas production amounting to 70 Nl·h-1 containing of 33.8 vol.% H₂ and 9.8 vol.% CO was demonstrated over 50 h of continuous operation. The origin of the high catalytic efficiency was elucidated by physicochemical characterization (XPS, STEM, XRD), which confirmed the role of Rh redox flexibility (Rh³⁺ ⇄ Rh⁰) and Ce⁴⁺ ⇄ Ce³⁺ cycling in suppressing carbon formation and maintaining active site dispersion. The compatibility of the produced syngas with Ni–YSZ solid oxide fuel cells was assessed, and a reformer–SOFC tandem concept was proposed to supply 50 W to telecommunication equipment, with operational parameters derived from the present reformer performance. Such a system highlights the potential of integrating catalytic reforming with SOFC conversion for decentralized power generation in remote applications where access to centralized infrastructure is limited.

Source: Fuel

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2026.138249