Hydrogen Production from Coal

This project will develop a high temperature electrochemical device to produce hydrogen directly from a coal fuel. The device will build upon the concept of the coal-assisted steam electrolyzer (CASE), which is comprised of an anode mixed with solid carbon fuel, a solid oxygen ion-conducting electrolyte, and a solid cathode. Both the cathode and anode of the CASE will show good electronic and ionic conductivity, exhibit good electrocatalytic properties, and be chemically stable under a reducing atmosphere at temperatures above 800oC. Phase I will involve the design and construction of cathode-supported CASE tubes. In particular, the electrochemical reaction sites on the anode will be increased, in order to increase the effective anodic reaction rates. In Phase II, a hybrid fuel cell-electrolyzer bundle will be designed, constructed, and evaluated for hydrogen generation directly from coal fuel. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The CASE technology should enable a simple system for hydrogen generation with very high system efficiency and low costs, providing an economic advantage over conventional coal gasification systems. Commercial applications include: (1) central hydrogen production; (2) a stand-alone hydrogen refueling station; (3) a hydrogen generation system for local or remote application; and (4) energy storage as hydrogen fuel for peak load shaving.