Optimization of Hydrogen-Enriched Biogas by Dry Oxidative Reforming with Nickel Nanopowder Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Today, the worldwide research is focused on the development of alternative energy sources for power generation; thus, the present study aims to optimize the dry oxidative reforming (DOR) process parameters for H2-enriched biogas production by integrating response surface methodology with a three-level, three-factor Box–Behnken design in the presence of commercial Ni nanopowder. First, the effect of CH4/CO2 and O2/CH4 ratios on the catalytic performance of DOR was assessed in the temperature range of 800–900 °C. The reactant (CH4 and CO2) conversions, product (H2 and CO) yields, selectivities of H2 and CO, H2/CO ratio, and specific energy consumption were chosen as responses. The empirical regression models were developed to identify the influential and most significant parameters. More than a 95% value of determination coefficients by analysis of variance proved that the developed regression models were highly satisfactory. Experimentally, a maximum H2 enrichment of 38.7% with 82.9 and 90.8% CH4 and CO2 c...