Methane Oxidation Over M–8YSZ and M–CeO2/8YSZ (M = Ni, Cu, Co, Ag) Catalysts

The oxidation of methane has been studied by sequential flow reaction experiments over M–8YSZ and M–CeO₂/8YSZ (M=Ni, Cu, Co, Ag) catalysts as a function of CH₄/O₂ from 773 to 1073 K. Over Ni–8YSZ and Ni–CeO₂/8YSZ, methane pyrolysis is dominant leading to surface carbon formation at temperatures of 873 K and above. While the addition of ceria to Ni–8YSZ to produce Ni–CeO₂/8YSZ does not significantly affect the reaction kinetics, the activity of Cu–CeO₂/8YSZ, Co–CeO₂/8YSZ, and Ag–CeO₂/8YSZ are higher than their M–8YSZ counterparts. The activity of Co–CeO₂/8YSZ at high temperatures (973 K and above) is higher than Ni-8YSZ with selectivity towards partial methane oxidation and CO formation. Considering Ni-based catalysts are prone to deactivation due to surface carbon accumulation, Co–CeO₂/8YSZ, Cu–CeO₂/8YSZ, and Ag–CeO₂/8YSZ are possible alternative anode cermets for direct hydrocarbon oxidation solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC).