Promoting the selective electrochemical upgrading of light alkanes to ethylene via advanced solid oxide electrolysis cells: Advances and outlook

Abstract

Light olefins, represented by ethylene, are key feedstocks in the petrochemical industry, but traditional production technologies suffer from high energy consumption and carbon emissions. Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) have emerged as a promising high-temperature electrochemical platform for light alkane upgrading, offering a green and efficient alternative for ethylene production. This review systematically summarizes the research progress, reaction mechanisms, and advanced material systems of SOEC-driven conversion of light alkanes (mainly methane and ethane) to ethylene. SOECs operate at 600–900 °C, enabling precise regulation of oxygen species activity and flux or proton extraction via electrochemical means, thereby overcoming the inherent conversion–selectivity trade-off of conventional thermochemical processes. The technology encompasses two main routes: oxygen-ion-conducting SOECs for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane and oxidative coupling of methane (OCM), and proton-conducting SOECs for the non-ODH of ethane. Key reaction mechanisms involve the regulation of active oxygen species (e.g., lattice oxygen, peroxide, and superoxide) and proton transfer, while strategies such as in situ exsolution, elemental doping, and surface infiltration effectively enhance catalyst activity and selectivity. Advanced anode materials, including perovskites, metal–oxide heterointerfaces, and composite systems, have demonstrated remarkable performance. Ethane conversion rates of up to 80% with ethylene selectivity exceeding 85% have been achieved, comparable to those of conventional thermocatalytic routes, while highly stable systems capable of long-term operation have also been developed. For methane conversion, OCM technology achieves near-quantitative C₂ selectivity (> 99.5%) at moderate conversions, providing a foundation for further optimization. SOEC technology offers significant advantages such as low-carbon emissions, flexible feedstock adaptability, and compatibility with renewable energy. This review highlights the synergistic integration of material innovation, mechanism understanding, and system optimization in SOEC-driven alkane upgrading, providing a comprehensive reference for the development of low-carbon light olefin production technologies.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

high-temperature electrolysis / light alkanes to ethylene / oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) / oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane / non-ODH of ethane

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