SOLID OXIDE ELECTROLYTIC CELLS USING ZEOLITE-TEMPLATED CARBON (ZTC) AS ELECTROCATALYST

Solid oxide electrolytic cell assembly (SOEC) and methods for making SOECs are provided. An exemplary method includes forming a functionalized zeolite templated carbon (ZTC). The functionalized ZTC is formed by forming a CaX zeolite, depositing carbon in the CaX zeolite using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process to form a carbon/zeolite composite, treating the carbon/zeolite composite with a solution including hydrofluoric acid to form a ZTC, and treating the ZTC to add catalyst sites. In the method, the functionalized ZTC is incorporated into electrodes by forming a mixture of the functionalized ZTC with a calcined solid oxide electrolyte, and calcining the mixture. The method includes forming an electrode assembly, forming the SO electrolytic cell assembly, and coupling the SO electrolytic cell assembly to a heat source.