A low temperature SOFC as a self-promoted reactor for CO2 catalytic hydrogenation

Low temperature operation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) typically provides limited and insufficient power for practical applications. The present work demonstrates how this limited power can be utilized effectively for the promotion of a catalytic reaction taking place on a catalyst electrode with minimal energy consumption and environmental impact. A novel design of a low-temperature SOFC reactor is reported and utilized for the electrochemical promotion of CO2 hydrogenation, a reaction of both environmental and industrial importance. The power demand for the enhancement of the catalytic reaction rates is produced in situ by the cell during the parallel oxidation of hydrogen which acts both as a reactant and as a fuel. The results of the present study pave the way for the utilization of Electrochemical Promotion of Catalysis (EPOC) in a wireless configuration, using exclusively the internal power of low temperature, low pressure, SOFCs. [Display omitted] •Low temperature SOFC can be used as a self-promoted catalytic reactor.•The catalytic activity of Ru, during CO2 hydrogenation reaction is effectively enhanced.•The SOFC power is used to enhance the thermocatalytic rate of CO2 consumption.•CO2 conversion is doubled (from 12.5% to 25%) under short circuit conditions.•The selectivity to CH4 is enhanced from 80% to 100% under short circuit conditions.