摘要 |
An electrocatalytic process is described for producing synthesis gas from light hydrocarbons such as methane or natural gas. The process generally comprises the steps of (A) providing an electrochemical cell comprising a solid electrolyte having a first surface coated with conductive metal, metal oxide or mixtures thereof capable of facilitating the reduction of oxygen to oxygen ions, and a second surface coated with conductive metal, metal oxide or mixtures thereof, provided that both coatings are stable at the operating temperatures, (B) heating the cell to a temperature of at least 1000 DEG C, (C) passing an oxygen-containing gas in contact with the first conductive coating, (D) passing methane, natural gas or other light hydrocarbons in contact with the second conductive coating, and (E) recovering synthesis gas. |