An experimental study of oxidative coupling of methane in a solid oxide fuel cell with 1 wt%Sr/La2O3-Bi2O3-Ag-YSZ membrane

Abstract

A solid oxide fuel cell with 1 wt%Sr/La2O3-Bi2O3-Ag-YSZ membrane was applied to oxidative coupling of methane. Membrane composition had a great effect on the reaction and current generated. An increase in the current generated was accompanied by a decrease in C2 selectivity and an increase in CH4 conversion. There is an optimal temperature for C2-selectivity. CH4 conversion decreased, C2-selectivity increased and current generated decreased slightly with a rise in total flow rates. CH4 conversion and the current generated increased with a rise in oxygen concentration. If only C2-selectivity and current were concerned, the higher the methane concentration, the more favourable for the cogeneration of electrical energy and ethane and ethylene. Stability of the membrane was also tested.