Effects of Process Factors on Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane over Ni/SBA-15 Catalyst

Abstract

The process of CO2 reformation of CH4 was conducted over a 5% Ni/SBA-15 catalyst under various experimental conditions. Operating temperature (600-750 �C), gas hourly space velocity (4000-12000 hr-1), and CO2/CH4 feed molar ratio (0.67-1.50) were selected as independent parameters (factors). Process performances were evaluated as conversions of CH4 (21.1-79.6%) and CO2 (42.4-98.7%) as well as H2/CO product molar ratio (0.573-0.992). All process performances were enhanced at higher levels of temperature and low values of gas velocity. An increase in feed molar ratio has determined a significant increase in CH4 conversion and a slighter decrease in CO2 conversion and H2/CO molar ratio. A statistical model based on a 23 factorial plan was used to predict the process performances depending on its factors.