Direct electrolysis of CO2 using an oxygen-ion conducting solid oxide electrolyzer based on La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 − δ electrode

Composite fuel electrode based on redox-reversible La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 − δ (LSCM) can be operated without a flow of reducing gas. We demonstrate the efficient electrolysis of CO2 using a symmetric solid oxide electrolyzer with a configuration of LSCM–SDC/YSZ/LSCM–SDC at 800 °C. The temperature dependence of LSCM conductivity in air and the oxygen partial pressure dependence are investigated and correlated to electrode polarization in the symmetric cell. The LSCM electrode exhibits low electrode polarization in air at 800 °C (0.325 Ω cm2), and the electrode polarization can be further reduced to 0.25 Ω cm2 when passing current to activate LSCM electrodes. In contrast, the electrode polarization of the symmetric cell in CO2 reached 5–10 Ω cm2 under OCV and low current. However, it is decreased to 0.5 Ω cm2 at large currents (e.g. 100–200 mA cm−2) for electrode activation. The results of AC impedance spectroscopy and I–V tests indicate two main processes: the electrochemical reduction of LSCM fuel electrode at low voltages and the electrolysis of CO2 at high voltages. The current efficiency reaches 69%, 58% and 56% at 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 V for the electrolysis of CO2 at 800 °C, respectively.

► Electrolysis of CO2 is demonstrated in a symmetric cell with LSCM electrode.
► LSCM electrode shows excellent performance with current for activation in air.
► LSCM electrode markedly improves with current for activation in CO2.
► Reduction of LSCM is the main process at low voltage during electrolysis.
► Electrochemical reduction of CO2 is main process at high voltage in electrolysis.