Developing solid oxide cells for sustainable generation of chemicals

Abstract

High-temperature solid oxide cells (SOCs) can be used as a practical alternative for generation of value-added chemicals and energy-intensive fuels. Here we (1) report a comparative summary of SOC applications and their different structures, (2) appraise fundamentals of SOC configurations and thermal dynamics for generation of chemicals, including H₂, CO, HCN, NO, C₆H₆, and C₁ and C₂ hydrocarbons, together with SOC coupling for generation of CH₄, CH₃OH and NH₃, and (3) assess current research to support future SOC research. We conclude that (1) SOCs can be used as an electrochemical refinery (e-refinery) for sustainable generation of chemicals and (2) because of high-temperature operation, SOCs are advantageous over low-temperature fuel cells and electrolyser technologies in terms of nonprecious metal catalysts, high efficiency, and high kinetics. Findings will be of benefit in practical design for SOCs as an e-refinery for generation of chemicals and, therefore, of wide interest to researchers and manufacturers.