A method of a hydrocarbon product and ammonia comprises introducing C.sub.2H.sub.6 to a positive electrode of an electrochemical cell comprising the positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a proton-conducting membrane between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The proton-conducting membrane comprising an electrolyte material having an ionic conductivity greater than or equal to about 10.sup.2 S/cm at one or more temperatures within a range of from about 150 C. to about 600 C. N.sub.2 is introduced to the negative electrode of the electrochemical cell. A potential difference is applied between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrochemical cell. A system for co-producing higher hydrocarbons and NH.sub.3, and an electrochemical cell are also described.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER)-catalyzing activity of transition metal perovskite oxide catalysts depends on the occupancy of the -bonding orbital of e.sub.g symmetry parentage of the active cation. Catalysts having preferred values of e.sub.g orbital filling can have a high intrinsic activity for catalysis of the OER.

The present invention relates to reusable metal substrate for photoelectrochemical solar water splitting applications. The process comprises preparing a surface of the metal substrate, coating the surface of the metal substrate using photoactive semiconductor thin films, forming a working electrode, scaling-up of the working electrode, and re-using the metal substrate. The present invention has advantages such as higher current, better handling, capability to reuse and capability of direct geometrical scale-up of the electrodes.

Power is provided to an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes an anode side and a cathode side. Hydrogen sulfide in a liquid state is flowed to the anode side. An operating temperature and an operating pressure are maintained within the anode side, such that the hydrogen sulfide in the anode side is at a supercritical state. Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates electrolysis of the hydrogen sulfide to produce sulfur and protons on the anode side. Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates reduction of protons to produce hydrogen on the cathode side. A membrane separating the anode side from the cathode side prevents flow of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur from passing through the membrane while allowing hydrogen cations to pass through the membrane. Sulfur is flowed out of the anode side. Hydrogen is flowed out of the cathode side.

Power is provided to an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes an anode side and a cathode side. A solution is flowed to the anode side. The solution includes hydrogen sulfide dissolved in water. Water is flowed to the cathode side. The water flowed to the cathode side can be in the form of steam. Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates production of sulfur dioxide on the anode side. Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates production of hydrogen on the cathode side. A membrane separating the anode side from the cathode side prevents flow of hydrogen sulfide, water, and sulfur dioxide from passing through the membrane while allowing hydrogen cations and oxygen anions to pass through the membrane. Sulfur dioxide is flowed out of the anode side. Hydrogen is flowed out of the cathode side.

A process for direct compression of hydrogen separated from a hydrocarbon source is described herein. The process comprises a first zone wherein a hydrocarbon reaction that produce hydrogen occurs, a ceramic proton conductor which under an applied electric field transport hydrogen from said first zone to said second zone, and a second zone where compressed hydrogen is produced. The heat energy generated by ohmic resistance in the membrane is partially recuperated as chemical energy in the hydrocarbon reforming process to generate hydrogen.

An electrode including LaNi.sub.xM.sub.yO.sub.3-z on a substrate, and having an initial double layer capacitance of more than 0.6 F/cm.sup.2, where x+y is 0.8 or more and 1.2 or less, y is 0.001 or more and 0.6 or less, z is ?0.5 or more and 0.5 or less, and M includes at least one of Nb, Ta, Sb, Ti, Mn, or Zr.

A method for upgrading bio-mass material is provided. The method involves electrolytic reduction of the material in an electrochemical cell having a ceramic, oxygen-ion conducting membrane, where the membrane includes an electrolyte. One or more oxygenated or partially-oxygenated compounds are reduced by applying an electrical potential to the electrochemical cell. A system for upgrading bio-mass material is also disclosed.

Disclosed herein are doped perovskite oxides. The doped perovskite oxides may be used as a cathode material in an electrochemical cell to electrochemically generate ammonia from N.sub.2. The doped perovskite oxides may be combined with nitride compounds, for instance iron nitride, to further increase the efficiency of the ammonia production.

Power is provided to an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes an anode side and a cathode side. A solution is flowed to the anode side. The solution includes hydrogen sulfide dissolved in water. Water is flowed to the cathode side. The water flowed to the cathode side can be in the form of steam. Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates production of sulfur dioxide on the anode side. Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates production of hydrogen on the cathode side. A membrane separating the anode side from the cathode side prevents flow of hydrogen sulfide, water, and sulfur dioxide from passing through the membrane while allowing hydrogen cations and oxygen anions to pass through the membrane. Sulfur dioxide is flowed out of the anode side. Hydrogen is flowed out of the cathode side.