Ce(Mn,Fe)O2 –(La,Sr)(Fe,Mn)O3 composite as an active cathode for electrochemical reduction of CO2 in proton conducting solid oxide cells

Abstract

A solid oxide electrolysis cell concept for reducing CO2 to CO was studied using a proton conducting mixed oxide- BaCe0.7Zr0.1Y0.1Yb0.06Zn0.04O3-δ (BCZYYZ) as an electrolyte. The oxide composite mixture: Ce0.6Mn0.3Fe0.1O2 – La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.9Mn0.1O3 (12.5-87.5 wt%) was examined as enhancing catalyst electrode for CO2 reduction and proton oxidation reaction on the cathode side for avoiding coke formation. Here we demonstrate the successful electrochemical reduction of CO2 in proton conducting SOECs. During electrochemical reduction of CO2 at 700oC, current densities as high as 0.5 A/cm2 and 1 A/cm2 at 1.3 V and 2.2 V respectively, were withdrawn even though the cell employed a 400 μm thick BCZYYZ electrolyte support.