Co2CrO4 Nanopowders as an Anode Catalyst for Simultaneous Conversion of Ethane to Ethylene and Power in Proton-Conducting Fuel Cell Reactors

This study investigates the ethane conversion in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) reactors, comprising a nanosized Co–Cr2O3 nanocomposite anode catalyst, a proton-conducting BaCe0.8Y0.15Nd0.05O3−δ (BCYN) electrolyte, and a porous Pt cathode, for the purpose of cogenerating value-added ethylene with high selectivity and electrical power. The Co–Cr2O3 nanocomposite anode catalyst is achieved by reducing the Co2CrO4 precursor particles of about 5 nm, by a citrate–nitrate combustion method at an elevated temperature, whereas the BCYN dense membrane is obtained by sintering the BYCN precursor powders at 1400 °C for 10 h. The protonic SOFC reactor cogenerates a maximum power density of 173 mW·cm–2 and an ethylene yield of 32% at a selectivity of 91.6% at 700 °C. More importantly, no detectable acetylene and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission are formed, suggesting the superior electrocatalytic activity and dehydrogenation activity of the Co–Cr2O3 nanocomposite for the cogeneration of ethylene and electricity.