Yu Feng

Conversion of Propane to Propylene in a Fuel Cell

Conversion of propane to propylene in a proton-conducting fuel cell is a process by which propane is dehydrogenated to propylene using a fuel cell. This process has the unique advantage of obtaining value-added product propylene and electricity power simultaneously. While development of this process clearly has economic and environmental attractiveness, there have been few studies directed to realization of the concept. The challenge has been finding suitable proton-conducting electrolytes and compatible electrodes operating at temperatures below 800oC. Our fuel cell group at the University of Alberta made a breakthrough in this process and proved the feasibility of conversion of propane to propylene in a proton-conducting fuel cell. Through developing the suitable proton conductor 15% Y-doped BeCeO3, the fuel cell power density can reach 40 mW/cm2 at 650oC with propylene selectivity of 50~80%. With developed new anode catalyst of chromium (III) oxide, the fuel cell power density can reach 50 mW/cm2 at 650oC with propylene selectivity of 70~95%.

Yu Feng is doing his PhD in Chemical Engineering under the supervision of Dr Jingli Luo and Dr Karl T. Chuang.