Catalytic performance and analysis of carbon deposition in the production of synthesis gas by methane reforming with carbon dioxide - Development of NiO-MgO solid solution catalysts

Natural gas often contains considerable amounts of CO2, and CO2 reforming o f methane is an effective method for the utilization of CH4 and CO2. Methan e reforming with CO2 produces synthesis gas with H-2/CO = 1 from its stoich iometry. The composition of the synthesis gas can be changed by H2O additio n in the range of H-2/CO=3/1-1/1. However, carbon deposition is the problem in the reforming of methane with carbon dioxide. We have developed a catal yst with high resistance to carbon deposition. Catalytic performance and ca rbon deposition behavior in methane reforming reaction under atmospheric an d high pressurize conditions were investigated over NiO-MgO solid solution catalyst. Ni0.03Mg0.97O With high Surface area exhibited very high resistan ce to carbon deposition during methane reforming under atmospheric pressure . This resistance may be due to CO2 activation on the interface between the metal particles and support surface. However, serious carbon deposition wa s observed under high pressure conditions. Carbon deposition was more effec tively decreased on the NiO-MgO solid solution catalyst with low surface ar ea. The modification effect of Sn, Ge, and Ca were also investigated. Addit ion of Sn was very effective to inhibit carbon formation via methane decomp osition. In addition, the fluidized bed reactor using NiO-MgO solid solutio n is very effective for the syngas production by methane reforming with the internal heat supply.