Direct partial oxidation of CH4 into synthesis gas has been studied by usin
g an Rh/YSZ/Ag electrochemical reactor. Oxygen was pumped from the Ag catho
de to the Rh anode through the YSZ to produce adsorbed oxygen species on th
e surface of the Rh anode. The adsorbed oxygen species can oxidize CH4 to C
O/H-2 directly, i.e. not via combustion of CH4 to CO2 and H2O followed by t
he reforming reactions of CH4 with CO2 and H2O. The oxygen pumping treatmen
t through the YSZ affected significantly the surface morphology of the Rh a
node. A three-dimensional network consisting of fine Rh particles was forme
d by the oxygen pumping treatment, resulting in an enhanced migration of ox
ygen species from the triple-phase boundary to the Rh anode surface of high
surface area. Thus, an enormous increase in the production of CO/H-2 by th
e direct partial oxidation of CII, was observed over the Rh anode treated b
y the oxygen pumping. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.