Review on the catalytic tri-reforming of methane - Part II: Catalyst development

Abstract

Methane reforming allows the production of synthesis gas (syngas) which is an important gas mixture feedstock for the production of chemicals and energy carriers. Steam reforming of methane (SRM) and partial oxidation of methane (POM) have been deployed at large industrial scale, while dry reforming of methane (DRM) and more recently tri-reforming of methane (TRM) are intensively studied. TRM simultaneously combines SRM, POM and DRM in a unique process and allows overcoming several weaknesses of each individual methane reforming process: e.g. regulation of the molar ratio of H2/CO by controlling feed composition or adaptation to the variation in biogas composition as renewable resource. TRM process strongly requires a solid catalyst. To date, the design of efficient TRM catalysts remains a challenge. This work reviews recent achievements on the development of catalysts for TRM, and provides a guideline for future work related to TRM catalysts.