ELECTROCATALYTIC CONVERSION OF METHANE TO SYNGAS OVER NI ELECTRODE INA SOLID OXIDE ELECTROLYTE CELL

1Electrocatalytic conversion of metane in a cell with a solid oxygen c onducting electrolyte: CH4, Ni\0.9ZrO(2) + 0.1Y(2)O(3)\Pt + PrO2, air was studied at the temperature range 750 degrees C-850 degrees C. The Ni electrode was found to be an active electrode-catalyst for partial oxidation of CH4 to syngas with the concentration ratio [H-2] : [CO]si milar to 2. The CH4 conversion and CO selectivity attained 85%-95% and 90%-95%, respectively, at 800 degrees C-850 degrees C. Under these co nditions the Ni electrode-catalyst was stable to coking and had a nega tive value of electrode potential with respect to an air counter elect rode. The direct partial oxidation mechanism was shown to be the most probable for the electrocatalytic conversion of CH4 to syngas. (C) 199 7 Elsevier Science B.V.