Reversible solid oxide cells (SOCs) are potentially useful for electrical energy storage due to their good storage scalability, but have not been seriously considered due to concerns over round-trip efficiency.Here we propose an SOC storage chemistry where the fuel cycles between H 2 O-CO 2 -rich and CH 4 -H 2rich gases. The unique feature is the formation of CH 4 during electrolysis, a less endothermic process than the usual H 2 -or CO-forming reactions, enabling improved efficiency. Thermodynamic calculations and preliminary experiments show that the CH 4 -rich storage chemistry is produced during SOC operation at reduced temperature ($600 C) and/or increased pressure ($10 atm). Balance of plant storage system requirements are discussed briefly.
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