Synthesis Gas Production from Methane over an Iron Electrode in a Solid Electrolyte Cell

The production of synthesis gas, , from methane oxidation was studied in an yttria‐stabilized zirconia reactor at 950°C and atmospheric pressure. The anodic electrode was Fe and the cathode that was exposed to air was Pt. Reduced iron was more active than oxidized iron for syngas formation. The effect of two oxygen sources, gaseous oxygen and ionically transported oxygen, on methane conversion and selectivity to syngas was studied. O 2− transported through the electrolyte promoted formation more favorably than gaseous oxygen. The maximum selectivity and yield using O 2− was nearly 100 and 73%, respectively. Ionically transported oxygen and gaseous oxygen, however, did not differ significantly in formation. Carbon formation occurred with both oxidants; however, less with O 2− .