CHAPTER 2: High Temperature Co-electrolysis – A Route to Syngas

CO₂ utilisation as a feedstock is presented as an encouraging pathway to mitigate atmospheric pollution. This chapter summarises recent advances in a novel approach for the production of valuable products, such as synthetic fuel, by co-electrolysis of steam and CO₂ using the existing technology of solid oxide cells. In this regard, this chapter covers the general aspects of the co-electrolysis process, its history and the industrial state-of-the-art technology. It also gathers some recent studies and developments covering various aspects with special focus regarding current and novel materials and configurations, operational parameters, durability tests and degradation issues, including economic considerations and scalability studies. It is concluded that CO₂-recycled hydrocarbon fuels could replace the actual fuels for transportation or industrial use, with feasible technology development and mass production of the different components. The sustainability of the former could provide a key issue for their introduction into the market.