The understanding of underlying mechanisms for electrolysis of CO2 and co-electrolysis of CO2 and steam has been limited due to a lack of experimental methods that can observe intermediate species and materials directly during operation. Despite extensive reports on using Ni-YSZ and ceria based anodes for electrode materials in solid oxide electrolysis, previous work has primarily utilized post-facto testing and in situ electrochemical analysis. Here, we demonstrate a novel duplex technique of near infrared thermal imaging (NIRTI) and Fourier-transform infrared emission spectroscopy (FTIRES) in situ analyses to monitor the processes for electrolysis of CO2 and co-electrolysis of CO2 and steam on operating solid oxide electrolysis cells, and combine this data with traditional electrochemical measurements. Electrolysis and co-electrolysis of CO2 are investigated on anode- and electrolyte-supported cells at various operating temperatures. NIRTI results indicate heating on the anode surface due to electrochemical processes and cooling during carbon removal. Carbon formation is analyzed with FTIRES and spectrochronopotentiometry (SCP), indicating increased carbon formation at lower temperatures. Ex situ techniques of mass spectrometry, exhaust gas FTIR absorption measurements are combined with in situ analyses to further characterize and quantify reforming and syn-gas production. These studies serve as benchmark data for better understanding the processes during CO2 electrolysis.

In-operando optical studies of CO2 electrolysis

251st National Meeting (2016)

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