Partial oxidation of methane over Ni0/La2O3 bifunctional catalyst IV: Simulation of methane total oxidation, dry reforming and partial oxidation using the Quasi-Steady State Approximation

Abstract

Simulations of methane total oxidation (TOM) at 873K on La2O3 and dry reforming (DRM) at 693K reactions over Ni0/LaO3 were calculated for low and high conversions of reactants, based on experimental power rate law equations described in a previous paper and classical kinetics. According to Boudart’s school approach of Classical Kinetics, kinetic rate equations of TOM and DRM reactions were then established based on the Quasi-Steady State Approximation (QSSA) theory. The concept of two-step sequences was used for TOM and DRM which occur in the indirect process of partial oxidation of methane (POM). The QSSA simulation of POM process was subsequently developed at 1053K and compared to the simulation of TOM, at the same temperature, to kinetically demonstrate that the TOM catalytic cycle is the rate determining cycle (rdc) of the POM process. Synthesis of a novel POM catalyst in the future can be based on the present model and conclusion, taking into account that the methane combustion reaction provides the rate determining catalytic cycle (rdc) of the overall POM process.