Electrocatalytic oxidation of dimethyl ether

As potential fuel for solid oxide fuel cells, electrocatalytic oxidation of dimethyl ether (DME) was studied on nickel and nickel-samarium-doped CeO₂ composite anodes supported on series lanthanum gallate electrolytes. The main products were CO, H₂, and CH₄ with small amounts of CO₂ and H₂O. DME was decomposed into CO, H₂, and CH₄ under open circuit voltage. Product distribution depended strongly on the composition of anode and electrolyte. The major reaction on Ni/LSGM was partial oxidation of DME, and significant coke deposition was observed during the reaction. With the addition of SDC into Ni anode, complete oxidation was preferred on the catalyst. The special property of Co-doped LSGM electrolyte could be due to the high p-type conductivity.