Process for the electrocatalytic conversion of light hydrocarbons to synthesis gas

Abstract

An electrocatalytic process is described for producing synthesis gas from light hydrocarbons such as methane or natural gas. The process generally comprises the steps of (A) providing an electrochemical cell comprising a solid electrolyte having a first surface coated with conductive metal, metal oxide or mixtures thereof capable of facilitating the reduction of oxygen to oxygen ions, and a second surface coated with conductive metal, metal oxide or mixtures thereof, provided that both coatings are stable at the operating temperatures, (B) heating the cell to a temperature of at least 1000.degree. C., (C) passing an oxygen-containing gas in contact with the first conductive coating, (D) passing methane, natural gas or other light hydrocarbons in contact with the second conductive coating, and (E) recovering synthesis gas.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.