Solid-Electrolyte Membrane Reactors: Current Experience and Future Outlook

Abstract

This review article covers the research work that has been conducted in solid-electrolyte membrane reactors (SEMR). An overview of the types of solid electrolytes and their applications in heterogeneous catalysis is first presented, followed by a survey of SEMR studies published until 1998. Earlier and recent developments are discussed. The technoeconomic aspects and the requirements to be met for further development into industrial practice are presented and discussed.

Keywords:

• Solid-electrolyte cells
• High-temperature electrochemistry
• Membrane reactors
• Electrocatalysis

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Financial support for the preparation of this article, provided by the Chemical Process Engineering Research Institute (CPERI), is acknowledged and greatly appreciated.