Deterioration in fuel cell performance resulting from hydrogen fuel containing impurities: poisoning effects by CO, CH4, HCHO and HCOOH

Abstract This paper covers our investigation into a decline in fuel cell (FC) performance resulting from hydrogen fuel containing impurities. This is a serious problem in case of adopting the methanol or gasoline reforming approach as a means of supplying fuel to FCs. The results are summarized as follows: (1) Components of the gas generated by the reformer adopting the steam reforming and auto thermal reforming approach were predicted and specific components and concentrations were identified; (2) Various experiments and analyses were conducted to determine the adverse effect of CO, CH 4 , HCHO and HCOOH poisoning on the performance of FC.