Tri-reforming of methane on structured Ni-containing catalysts

Abstract

We have studied the process of methane tri-reforming (MTR), which is s synergistic combination of steam and carbon dioxide reforming together with partial oxidation of CH4 on a single catalyst. We have established that structured catalysts Ni/(CeO2, La2O3)/Al2O3/cordierite enable stable occurrence of methane tri-reforming with high conversion of CH4 and CO2. The positive effect of oxygen may be associated with formation, on the surface of the catalyst, of local “hot zones” favoring the occurrence of the endothermic reactions of carbon dioxide and steam reforming. By varying the content of the components in the reaction mixture (O2, H2O, CO2), we can control the H2/CO ratio (1.4-2.5) in the synthesis gas and the thermal conditions of the process, including carrying it out under autothermal conditions.