Thermochemical solar-driven reduction of CO2 into separate streams of CO and O2 via an isothermal oxygen-conducting ceria membrane reactor

CO2 single-step thermolysis was achieved using oxygen permeable MIEC (mixed ionic-electronic conducting) membranes made of ceria for separate production CO on the feed side and O2 sweep side. The CO2-dissociation reaction driven by concentrated solar energy as a renewable thermal source applying chemical potential gradient between both membrane sides. A continuous transfer across thanks to flow inert gas permeate This created required partial pressure favored permeation via ion diffusion through thickness. novel reactor integrating reactive designed tested under real radiation, with operating temperatures up 1550 °C. part tubular redox located inside well-insulated cavity receiver homogeneous heating, which fed carrier argon facilitate transport removal permeated oxygen. dynamic response fuel upon changing conditions (temperature, mole fraction, rate) in investigated quantifying evolved rates. Continuous dissociation in-situ spatial separation streams membrane. Reliable operation sunlight successfully demonstrated first time, stable unprecedented rates 0.071 ?mol/cm2/s at °C CO/O2 ratio 2.