Molten V2O5/Cs0.9K0.9Na0.2S2O7 and V2O5/K2S2O7 catalysts as electrolytes in an electrocatalytic membrane separation device for SO2 removal

Bench scale fuel cell tests have been carried out on the SO2 oxidation catalyst systems V2O5/M2S2O7 (M = alkali) used as electrolytes in a standard molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) fuel cell setup for removal of SO2 from power plant flue gases. Porous LixNi(1-x)O electrodes were used both as anode and cathode. The cleaning cell removes SO2 when a potential is applied across the membrane, potentially providing cheap and ecological viable means for regeneration of SO2 from off-gases into high quality H2SO4. Results show that successful removal of up to 80% SO2 at 450 degreesC can be achieved at approximately 5 mA cm(-2). However, the data obtained during the experiments explain the current limitations of the process, especially in terms of electrolyte wetting capability and acid/base chemistry of the electrolyte.