Partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas on Pt electrode in a solid oxide electrolyte cell

Abstract

The partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas or oxyreforming of methane over a Pt electrode in a solid oxide electrolyte cell $$CH_4 + O_2 ,Pt\left| {ZrO_2 (10 mol \% Y_2 O_3 )} \right|Pt,air$$ has been studied under open and closed circuit conditions. Experiments were performed at atmospheric pressure over a temperature range of 700–800°C and methane/oxygen ratios of 0.4–1.8. The Pt electrode was found to be an active electrode-catalyst for oxyreforming of methane and electrochemical oxidation of the oxyreforming products. The mechanism of methane oxyreforming and the effect of anodic current passing through the cell on the catalytic properties of the Pt electrode for oxyreforming of methane are discussed.