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

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-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 focusing 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 is Steam and later, 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).

Preliminary data on construction of button cells, their performance, and the usage of a Probostat testing unit is presented in this work. Some Aspen Plus simulations illustrating the overall process flow diagram for a Power to X, are also carried out, that show the feasibility of such a process.
Original languageEnglish
Pages137-137
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 12 Sept 2024
EventElectrochem2024 - Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
Duration: 11 Sept 202413 Sept 2024
https://www.rsc.org/events/detail/79233/electrochem2024

Conference

ConferenceElectrochem2024
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityManchester
Period11/09/2413/09/24
Internet address

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