W. Peter Teagan, Brian M. Barnett and Robert S. Weber
Arthur D. Little, Inc., 20 Acorn Park, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, USA

The electrochemical oxidation of small molecules forms the basis for a number of power generating systems that are currently under development for stationary, vehicular and portable ("premium power) applications. Anode and cathode reactions are just two of the catalyzed processes that are required to convert the energy obtainable from commonly available fuels like methane, propane or gasoline into electrical power. For example, catalytic generation of synthesis gas (H2 + CO) and efficient coupling of the cathode processes with the water gas shift reaction are needed to employ those commonly available fuels in fuel cells based on solid oxide electrolytes (SOFC’s). The development of a complex train of catalytic reactions has been required to create practicable power generating systems using fuel cells based on polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMFC’s). In particular, the removal of trace quantities of CO from the hydrogen-rich stream that is fed to the fuel cell cathode has proved to be a challenging but tractable problem.

This presentation will review the economic and performance characteristics of fuel cell systems that promise to become commercially available in the foreseeable future. We will highlight the particular demands that provide opportunities for the development or improvement of the associated catalytic processes. The important issues include the usual triumvirate (activity, selectivity and longevity) along with cost, weight, robustness, and behavior in the face of frequent transients (startup, shutdown, turn-up and turn-down). We will also comment on the economies that attend the deployment of automotive technologies in other applications and the changes in the petroleum industry that would likely accompany a substantial introduction of fuel cell-powered vehicles.