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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Electrochemical conversion
• Alkene synthesis
• Methane
• Solid oxide cell
• Benzene