CO2 Reforming of Methane by Thermal Diffusion Column Reactor with Ni/Carbon-Coated Alumina Tube Pyrogen

• Published in: Energy & fuels 2001-05, Vol.15 (3), p.571-574
• Main Authors: Suzuki, Kenichi, Wargadalam, Verina J, Onoe, Kaoru, Yamaguchi, Tatsuaki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel processing. Carbochemistry and petrochemistry; Fuels; Gas processing
• ISSN: 0887-0624; 1520-5029
• DOI: 10.1021/ef000134y

The CO2 reforming of methane with a thermal diffusion column (TDC) reactor by using an alumina tube coated with nickel-loaded carbon as the pyrogen, acting as a heated catalyst, was studied. Large surface area of carbon-coat support (400−500 m2/g) was obtained by carbonization of a novolak-type phenolic resin. Although the coated carbon showed a minor effect, Ni loading increased the activity of the pyrogen for the reaction. For example, by using 10 wt % Ni-loaded pyrogen at the surface temperature 1260 K, each conversion of methane and carbon dioxide exceeded 65% with upward feeding of 0.44 mmol/min (CO2/CH4 = 1). The downward feeding of reactant gas showed lower conversions but better stability of the catalytic action of the pyrogen. Performance of TDC reactor for CO2 reforming of methane can be improved by the better preparation of the pyrogen to increase the activity and with downward feeding to reduce the carbon formation.