Process for the electrocatalytic conversion of light hydrocarbons to synthesis gas
US4793904A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1987 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
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 PA0 (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, PA0 (B) heating the cell to a temperature of at least 1000.degree. C., PA0 (C) passing an oxygen-containing gas in contact with the first conductive coating, PA0 (D) passing methane, natural gas or other light hydrocarbons in contact with the second conductive coating, and PA0 (E) recovering synthesis gas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.