Solar-Driven Thermochemical Splitting of CO₂ and <i>In Situ</i> Separation of CO and O₂ across a Ceria Redox Membrane Reactor.

ABSTRACT: Splitting CO₂ with a thermochemical redox cycle utilizes the entire solar spectrum and provides a favorable path to the synthesis of solar fuels at high rates and efficiencies. However, the temperature/pressure swing commonly applied between reduction and oxidation steps incurs irreversible energy losses and severe material stresses. Here, we experimentally demonstrate for the first time the single-step continuous splitting of CO₂ into separate streams of CO and O₂ under steady-state isothermal/isobaric conditions. This is accomplished using a solar-driven ceria membrane reactor conducting oxygen ions, electrons, and vacancies induced by the oxygen chemical potential gradient. Guided by the limitations imposed by thermodynamic equilibrium of CO₂

SUBMITTER: Tou M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5632959 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature