Highly efficient electrochemical reforming of CH₄/CO₂ in a solid oxide electrolyser

Area of Science:

• Catalysis
• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Methane reforming with CO2 to produce syngas faces challenges like carbon deposition and catalyst instability.
• Developing stable and efficient catalysts is crucial for converting methane and CO2 into valuable syngas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a highly efficient electrochemical reforming of CH4/CO2 into syngas using a solid oxide electrolyzer.
• To address challenges of carbon deposition and nanocatalyst instability in methane reforming.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a solid oxide electrolyzer with CO2 electrolysis in the cathode and CH4 oxidation in the anode.
• Developing a perovskite electrode with in situ exsolution of an anchored metal/oxide interface.
• Employing in situ Fourier transform infrared characterizations and first-principle calculations.

Main Results:

• Achieved highly efficient electrochemical reforming of CH4/CO2 to produce syngas.
• Demonstrated enhanced coking resistance and catalyst stability due to the anchored metal/oxide interface.
• Identified interface activation of CO2 at a transition state and favorable carbon removal via electrochemically provided oxygen species.

Conclusions:

• The novel electrode strategy provides optimal performance with no degradation after 300 hours of operation and 10 redox cycles.
• This process offers a reliable method for converting methane into syngas using carbon dioxide.
• The findings suggest a promising pathway for sustainable syngas production.