Kinetic Modelling of Catalytic Reactions in Solid Oxide Cells: Study of Its Coupling with Electrochemistry for Steam and CO2 Co-Electrolysis and Steam Reforming

Abstract

High Temperature Electrolysis (HTE) can directly convert steam and CO2 into syngas, which may be converted into methane, methanol, DME, etc. The process efficiency should be increased by operating this type of co-electrolyzer under pressure. In this case, COx methanation and water gas shift reactions will occur in the cells with relatively high rates. HTE cells can also be used in fuel cell mode to generate electricity from methane and water by steam reforming, catalysed by nickel present in the cell. However, the contribution of these catalytic reactions are not well-known for these two modes. Consequently, an evaluation of their impact in a cell fed with carbonated gases will be proposed by establishing a kinetic model necessary for a complete electrochemical cell modelling. This work, firstly carried out at atmospheric pressure, allowed to validate only one kinetic model found in the literature for the two modes.