Influence of electrolytes and membranes on cell operation for Syn-Gas Production

摘要

The impact of membrane type and electrolyte composition for the electrochemical generation of synthesis gas (CO + H_2) using an electrolysis cell containing a Ag gas diffusion cathode is presented. Changing from a cation exchange membrane to an anion exchange membrane extended the cell operational time at low cell voltages (E_(cell)) without impacting product composition. The use of KOH as the catholyte decreased the E_(cell) and resulted in a minimum electrolyte cost reduction of 34. The prime factor in determining operational time at low E_(cell) was the ability to maintain a sufficiently high anolyte pH.