Energy efficient conversion of methane to syngas over NiO–MgO solid solution

Abstract

Methane-to-CO and H 2 conversion reactions, involving partial oxidation by O 2, oxy-steam reforming, oxy-CO 2 reforming, CO 2 reforming, simultaneous steam and CO 2 reforming, over a NiO–MgO solid solution (Ni/Mg =0.5) have been investigated. The calcination (up to 1200°C) temperature of the catalyst has a small but significant effect on its activity/selectivity in the oxidative conversion of methane to syngas. The reduction (by H 2) temperature of the catalyst has no significant effect on the catalyst's performance. The catalyst shows high activity and selectivity in the oxy-steam reforming and oxy-CO 2 reforming reactions, at 800–850°C and high space velocity [(40–50)×10 3 cm 3 g −1 h −1]. These two processes involve coupling of the exothermic oxidative conversion and endothermic steam or CO 2 reforming reactions, making both the processes highly energy efficient and also safe to operate. The catalyst also shows high methane conversion activity (nearly 95% conversion) with 100% selectivity for both CO and H 2 in the simultaneous steam and CO 2 reforming of methane at (800–850°C) at a high space velocity (3.6×10 3 cm 3 g −1 h −1).