Direct conversion of natural gases in solid oxide cells: A mini-review

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications 2021-07, Vol.128, p.107068, Article 107068
• Main Authors: Zhu, Peng-Xi, Wang, Lu-Cun, Stewart, Frederick, Ding, Dong, Matz, John, Dong, Pei, Ding, Hanping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkene synthesis; Benzene; Electrochemical conversion; Methane; Solid oxide cell
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2021.107068

•Direct conversion of natural gas in electrochemical reactor was summarized.•Electrocatalysts used for natural gas activation were discussed.•Hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction were introduced.•Integration of solid oxide cell and catalyst was emphasized. The direct one-step electrochemical conversion of natural gas is an attractive and economic approach to the synthesis of the higher value-added alkenes with co-product hydrogen or hydrocarbons, which is enabled by the combination of solid oxide cells (SOCs) and catalysts. Compared to traditional chemical alkene synthesis, the integration of SOC as a membrane reactor can overcome the thermodynamic equilibrium limit by applying electrochemical current to effectively mitigate coke formation. In this scheme, the dehydrogenation reaction supplies protons from natural gas hydrocarbons for use in CO2 reduction, electricity generation, and hydrogen production. The main approaches for natural gas direct conversion have been reviewed to understand the current technology development status including catalysts and SOC system integration.