CHEMICAL COGENERATION IN SOLID ELECTROLYTE CELLS - THE OXIDATION OF CH3OH TO H2CO

The anodic oxidation of methanol was investigated in the solid electrolyte fuel cell CH3OH, H2CO, CO, CO2, H2, H2O, Ag[ZrO2(8% Y2O3)]Ag, air operating at atmospheric pressure and temperatures 820–970 K. It was found that methanol can be selectively oxidized to formaldehyde with simultaneous production of electrical energy. Selectivity to formaldehyde is on the order of 90% at methanol conversions exceeding 30%. The main by-products are CO and some CO2. The cell appears to be a promising candidate for the cogeneration of electrical energy and formaldehyde. © 1990, The Electrochemical Society, Inc. All rights reserved.