The Utilization of Natural Fuels in SOFCs

An important difference exists between solid oxide fuel cells and other kinds of fuel cells in that various kinds of natural fuels or products of a relatively simple processing of such fuels may also be directly utilized. As we know, the original aim of all work on fuel cells has actually been precisely the direct transformation of the chemical energy of natural fuels to electrical energy. In seeking solutions to this problem, researchers have encountered numerous difficulties, which in many cases could not be overcome practically. These difficulties were associated with the very low rates of electrochemical oxidation of these fuels and, also, with the presence of various contaminants hindering and sometimes completely blocking these reactions. 

Aspects of the poisoning effects produced by sulfur compounds during the operation of solid oxide fuel cells have been considered in greater detail in a review by Gong et al. (2007). 

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