CO2-promoted hydrogen production in a protonic ceramic electrolysis cell

Abstract

A novel solid oxide electrolysis cell based on high-performance and CO₂-tolerant materials, a BaCe_0.3Zr_0.5Dy_0.2O_3−δ proton-conducting electrolyte and a Nd_1.95Ba_0.05NiO_4+δ oxygen electrode, was successfully fabricated and tested. Unusual characteristics leading to enhanced improvement were observed for this cell when the reducing atmosphere was enriched with CO₂. A possible mechanism by which this behaviour may be explained is proposed.