Production of Synthetic Fuels by Co-Electrolysis of Steam and Carbon Dioxide

Abstract

Co-electrolysis of H2O and CO2 was studied in solid oxide cells (SOCs) supported by nickel-/yittria-stabilized zirconia (Ni/YSZ) electrode. Polarization characterization indicates that electrochemical reduction of both CO2 and H2O occurs during co-electrolysis. In parallel with the electrochemical reactions, the equilibrium of the water–gas shift reaction is reached, and moreover, CO is produced via the water–gas shift reaction. The degradation observed when performing co-electrolysis in these SOCs occurs mainly at the Ni/YSZ cathode and may be a consequence of impurities in the gas stream, adsorbing on active sites in the SOC. The low degradation is most likely acceptable for long-time operation.