1. Surface Reaction Fundamentals in
Direct Oxidation Hydrocarbon Fuel Cells
Eric M. Stuve, University of Washington
OBJECTIVES
Examine fundamental surface chemistry of electrolytic hydrocarbon oxidation reactions
Intermediates
Reaction pathways
Kinetic parameters
Characterize fuel / catalyst combinations
Ceria / metal catalyzed direct oxidation of hydrocarbons
Catalysts for direct hydrocarbon oxidation < 700 °C
Bond breaking tendencies for C–C, C–H, and C–O
Role of surface / substrate oxygen in direct oxidation
Fuels for proton / oxygen ion conducting electrolytes
APPROACH
Ceria / catalyst coated field emitter tip
Work function studies by FEM
Imaging with FIM / FDM
Ionization monitored by ToF and ExB filter
UHV Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)
Surface analysis of catalyst / oxide (XPS, LEIS, etc.)
Reaction pathways and kinetics
DoD PAYOFF
Provide fundamental information about relative tendencies of bond breaking in electrocatalysis, surface reaction intermediates, carbon deposition, and the role of oxygen in direct hydrocarbon oxidation important for an overall understanding of direct oxidation hydrocarbon fuel cells.