NOVELTY - A desulfurizer-reformer reactor system (10) comprises a de-sulfurizing material (22) and a reforming catalyst material (32) arranged as a gradient assembly.    USE - As desulfurizer-reformer system for generating energy (claimed), particularly as compact two-in-one desulfurizer-reformer system for producing a ready-to-use hydrogen-rich feed for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).    ADVANTAGE - The desulfurizer-reformer reactor system comprises de-sulfurizing material which is thermally and micro structurally stable, sulfur-active at high temperatures, and does not need regeneration. Unlike the commercial and industrial practice of sulfur removal via hydrodesulfurization, where either zinc oxide or zinc-titanium-oxide are used as the sulfur sorbents, in the present desulfurizer-reformer reactor system, supported sorbents are used. After saturation with sulfur, the desulfurizer is treated as a solid waste and disposed, which is less expensive than its regeneration via high temperature oxidation; this also obviates the problem of dealing with the gaseous sulfur di- and tri-oxide produced during the regeneration step. The desulfurizer-reformer reactor system imparts desirable heat exchange characteristics, more efficient flow and better access of the oncoming fuel stream to the surfaces of the sulfur-sorbent material and the reforming catalyst material; is compact, i.e. the reduced system size and weight makes the heat integration much easier and more efficient; and does not require the use of hydrogen for the desulfurization step. The desulfurizer-reformer reactor design provides is a unified system where both the desulfurization of sulfur-laden fuel and the subsequent reforming occur in a single compact reactor, albeit in sequence.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A desulfurizer-reformer reactor system (10) comprises a de-sulfurizing material (22) and a reforming catalyst material (32) arranged as a gradient assembly. The de-sulfurizing material and the reforming catalyst material are configured to receive a supply of fuel in a sequential manner. The de-sulfurizing material is surrounded by reforming catalyst material. The gradient assembly is configured to allow sulfur-laden fuel to pass through the de-sulfurizing material, and resulting de-sulfurized fuel to pass through the reforming catalyst material. The de-sulfurizing material is separated from the reforming catalyst material by a heat exchangeable material. The reforming catalyst material includes a catalytic support comprising a nanoscale material. The de-sulfurizing material comprises at least one metal oxide. The de-sulfurizing material and the reforming catalyst material are coated onto metallic screens and/or ceramic monoliths. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) an energy generating system comprising the reactor system combined with at least one solid oxide fuel cell (12);    (2) method for providing sulfur-free hydrogen-rich fuel in a desulfurizer-reformer reactor system comprising a de-sulfurizing material and a reforming catalyst material arranged as a gradient assembly, involving passing sulfur-laden fuel through the de-sulfurizing material to remove sulfur-bearing species to an acceptable level; and passing the resulting fuel through a reforming catalyst material to produce a hydrogen rich fuel; and    (3) method for generating energy involving using the method for providing sulfur-free hydrogen-rich fuel in combination with at least one solid oxide fuel cell.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of a dual-function desulfurizer-reformer system that combines with a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack to generate electrical power.    Desulfurizer-reformer reactor system (10)    Solid oxide fuel cell stack (12)    Electrical power (14)    Heat (16)    De-sulfurizer chamber (20)    De-sulfurizing material (22)    Sulfur-tolerant reforming catalyst chambers (30)    Catalyst material (32)