Evaluation of novel ZnO–Ag cathode for CO2 electroreduction in solid oxide electrolyser

Abstract CO 2 and steam/CO electroreduction to methane in solid oxide electrolytic cells (SOEC) has gained major attention the past few years. This work evaluates, for very first time, performance of two different ZnO–Ag cathodes: one where ZnO nanopowder was mixed with Ag powder preparing cathode ink (ZnO mix –Ag cathode) other infiltrated a zinc nitrate solution inf cathode). had better distribution particles throughout cathode, resulting almost double generation while electrolysing both dry H /CO (4:1 v/v). A maximum overall conversion 48% (in ) at 1.7 V 700 °C clearly indicated that as low 5 wt% loading is capable electroreduction. It further revealed most took place through RWGS reaction, but it synergistic effect reaction electrolysis. Although produced trace amount higher voltages, there absolutely no methane. seems be due strong electronic interaction between Zn might have suppressed catalytic activity towards methanation.