Synthesis of Na2WO4-Mn supported YSZ as a potential anode catalyst for oxidative coupling of methane in SOFC reactor

Abstract

The oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) over a 5%Na2WO4-2%Mn on YSZ, has been investigated in a fixed bed reactor (FBR) and a solid oxide fuel cell reactor (SOFC). A 60% C2 selectivity and a 26% CH4 conversion have been obtained in a FBR at 800°C and CH4/O2 of 4:1. Importantly, an addition of Na2WO4-Mn to YSZ support can significantly enhance the performance of the catalyst especially C2 hydrocarbons selectivity and CH4 conversion. A maximum power density of 7.8 mW cm−2 was achieved at 800°C with CH4 in the SOFC reactor having a 50 μm thick YSZ electrolyte. The CH4 conversion and C2 selectivity at 800°C were 1.1% and 85.2%, respectively.