High Temperature Co-Electrolysis in ‘assisted’ mode – partial oxidation of bio-methane at the anode

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOECs) are the most electrically efficient electrolysers currently available, utilizing a variety of reactions like splitting of Steam or Steam/ CO2, and also operable in an assisted mode, with fuels, so long as O2- ions are formed and consumed. They operate at over 600 ⁰C, at efficiencies of close to 100% when operated at ‘thermo-neutral’ voltages, i.e., Vop=H/nF, where H, is the enthalpy of splitting of steam / steam-CO2 to Hydrogen/ Syngas, respectively, at the temperature. In this work we are setting up an ‘assisted’ electrolysis cell by avoiding the production of Oxygen by having to overcome 1-1.1 V Nernst Potential barrier at ~800oC. We are focussing on utilising anodic oxygen by partial oxidation of bio-methane to syngas, thereby lowering the Nernst Potential ‘barrier’ at the anode surface, which would then lead to a much lower specific electrical consumption for CO2 reduction. The cathode feedstock will be a Steam and later on a CO2-H2O mixture, which will be reduced, as in a typical co-electrolyser, to syngas; the oxide ions generated during the reduction, travel to the anode, where they will ensure partial oxidation of a methane feed, to generate syngas again. Syngas generated thus, in both the electrodes is a valuable feedstock for a range of chemicals/fuels like Methanol, and Fischer Tropsch liquids (potentially Sustainable Aviation Fuels).

At this point in my PhD thesis, I would like to report on the construction and operation of an Solid Oxide Cell testing rig (adapted from a commercial Probostat) and cell fabrication (YSZ based cells) – the latter includes NiO-YSZ cathodes and a series of partial oxidation catalysts deposited on the anode, for converting biomethane to syngas. In this work, preliminary data on lowered thermodynamic barriers, and lowered overpotentials are demonstrated, by operating the electrolyzer in ‘assisted mode.’
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 25 Apr 2024
EventChemEngDayUK24 - Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Duration: 25 Apr 202426 Apr 2024
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/news/chemengdayuk2024/

Conference

ConferenceChemEngDayUK24
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period25/04/2426/04/24
Internet address

Bibliographical note

Board number 43

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