Chemical looping dry reforming of methane using mixed oxides of iron and cerium: Operation window

Abstract

A series of the mixed oxides of iron and cerium, with an iron(III) oxide content ranging from 0 wt% to 100 wt% were tested as oxygen carriers in the chemical looping dry reforming of methane (CL-DRM). The reactivity during the CL-DRM significantly increased when iron and cerium are forming a mixed oxide. By careful control of the Fe2O3/CeO2 mass ratio, initial oxidation state and reaction time the activity of the oxygen carrier material can be adjusted so as to substantially favour oxidation of methane to syngas and discourage both total oxidation of methane and carbon deposition via decomposition of methane.