Abstract: A high temperature fuel cell (10) having first and second temperature zones (14, 16) for directly converting carbon fuel (12) to electrical energy comprises a first heat source (22), a second heat source (26), and a housing (18) that includes a non-porous section (15) and a solid electrolyte (30) having first and second electrolyte surfaces (32, 34) to which first and second electrodes (36, 38) are electrically connected. The first heat source (26) establishes first temperature zone (14) in the vicinity of the solid electrolyte (30) for adjusting the conductivity of the solid electrolyte (30) and electrodes (36, 38). The second heat source (26) is positioned in the vicinity of non-porous section (15) of housing (18) a distance from first heat source (22) to establish second temperature zone (16).

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical reactor for partially oxidizing methane and cogenerating electrical energy. A solid-state ionic reactor is described in which a solid electrolyte is provided with a cathode and a perovskite type anode having a wide range of oxygen nonstoichiometry. The cell generates electrical energy as a result of the chemical potential difference brought about by the catalytic oxidation of methane at the anode with oxygen that chemically diffuses from the cathode through the solid-state ionic conductor.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing reaction products, such as hydrocarbons, from fluid reactants is provided by use of a solid state electrochemical cell. A preferred embodiment may be used to produce methane at a substantially enhanced, controllable rate.