Ultrasonic-Assisted Nano-Nickel Ferrite Spinel Synthesis for Natural Gas Reforming

Abstract

Recently, attention has been paid to the development of a reforming process that can be used to convert non-combusted natural gas (NG) to value-added products. In this study, a template-free nano-spinel nickel ferrite (Fe70Ni30)-based oxygen carrier is prepared via an ultrasonic assistance method. Its physicochemical properties are characterized using X-ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance, Raman spectra, temperature-programmed reduction, the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller surface area, and transmission electron microscope. The efficiency of Fe70Ni30 is evaluated in CO2 dry reforming of methane, combined dry-steam reforming of methane, and steam activation chemical looping (CL) reforming under atmospheric pressure and various temperatures (600–700 °C). By controlling the reaction temperature higher hydrocarbons (> CH4) are formed directly (at 600 °C), or through the produced syngas (H2/CO ~ 2) at 700 °C which is suitable for the Fischer Tropsch process. In addition, methanol is directly formed and its selectivity increased during the CL reforming reaction under atmospheric pressure and at 700 °C, which considered as mild conditions compared to previously studied methanol production reactions. The prepared Fe70Ni30 catalyst could be used for the reforming of NG streams that contain CH4, CO2 and H2O, which are typical unconventional NG constituents (e.g., of biogenic gas) without complicated pretreatment purification steps.