Electrochemical oxidation of methane can theoretically form several products: These include partially oxidized products (methanol, formaldehyde, formic acid, and carbon monoxide) and fully oxidized products (carbon dioxide). Using fuel cell technologies we can produce value added products or carbon dioxide as well as electricity as an alternative to traditional catalytic processes (methane steam reforming and Fischer-Tropsch reactions). This technology could also allow the utilization of methane at remote oil and gas wells which is normally flared. Our work investigates the effect water concentration and by extension surface hydroxyl concentration has on catalyst activity through the use of aqueous and vapor fed reactors. Vapor fed systems also allow for better mass transport of methane to the catalyst surface increasing efficiencies. By controlling the applied potential we have observed methane adsorption on Pt and other transition metal surfaces. The adsorbed methane can be oxidized by sweeping to more anodic potentials.

Developing catalysts and methods for low temperature electrochemical oxidation of methane

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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