Partial Oxidation Electropox

Electropox [Electrochemical partial oxidation] Also called Pox. An electrochemical process for oxidizing methane to syngas. It combines the partial oxidation and steam reforming of methane with oxygen separation in a single stage. Invented in 1988 by T. J. Mazanec at BP Chemicals. An industrial-academic consortium to develop the process was formed in 1997. 

Our studies turned from the methane coupling reaction to the investigation of higher temperature methane reactions. Using tubular electrocatalytic cells with Pt anodes, the conversion of methane becomes more selective with CO as the major product at high temperatures. As summarized in Table 6 methane conversions can approach 100% with CO selectivities up to 97% at 1100 C. This suggested that the electrochemical cells could be used for the partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas. We call this process Electropox, for electrocatalytic partial oxidation. 

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