Electrocatalytic Methane Dimerization with a Yb‐Doped SrCeO3 Solid Electrolyte

The electrocatalytic nonoxidative dimerization of methane to ethane and ethylene was studied at 750°C and 1 atm. The electrochemical cell used was where the solid electrolyte was a proton conductor. By applying a current to the cell, H + was pumped to or from the Ag electrodes. Under closed circuit the rate of methane dehydrogenation to ethane and ethylene could increase to as much as eight times the open‐circuit rate. The electrolyte cell offers a promising advantage over conventional catalyst supports.