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Generating C4 Alkenes in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells via Cofeeding H2 and n-Butane Using a Selective Anode Electrocatalyst
Xiaoyu Yan1, Ying Yang1,2, Yimin Zeng3
1School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 18, 2020
Summary
This study introduces nanoengineered solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes that efficiently convert hydrocarbons into valuable chemicals and electricity simultaneously. This breakthrough enables high yields of C4 alkenes and significant power generation with suppressed coke formation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising for combined power generation and chemical conversion.
- Simultaneously achieving high efficiency in hydrocarbon transformation and electricity production in SOFCs is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an SOFC anode capable of efficiently converting higher hydrocarbons into value-added products and electricity.
- To address the challenge of simultaneous high-efficiency chemical transformation and power generation in SOFCs.
Main Methods:
- Nanoengineering of the SOFC anode triple-phase boundary using Co7W6@WO core-shell nanoparticles on La0.4Sr0.6TiO3.
- Implementing a cofeeding strategy with H2 and chemical feedstock (n-butane).
Main Results:
- Achieved effective (electro)catalytic dehydrogenation of n-butane to butenes and 1,3-butadiene with >50% C4 alkene yield.
- Reached a peak power density of 212 mW/cm2 at 650 °C.
- Significantly suppressed coke formation and minimized CO/CO2 production.
Conclusions:
- The nanoengineered SOFC anode and cofeeding strategy enable efficient chemical-electricity coupling.
- This approach opens new avenues for electrocatalytic synthesis of chemicals at high temperatures.
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