Preparation of synthesis gas by methane dry reforming on fiberglass catalysts

Abstract

The catalytic activity of nanostructured low-percentage Mg-Ni-Co-catalysts based on high-temperature KT-11-TO grade fiberglass obtained by “solution combustion” (SC) method was studied at carbon dioxide conversion of methane (CDCM). The physico-chemical characteristics of samples were studied using X-ray diffraction phase analysis, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The X-ray phase method showed the formation of several phases during the synthesis: NiCo₂O₄, 3CoO·5NiO, MgO, and Co₃O₄. According to TEM, active catalyst particles have a size of 5-10 nm proving the nanoscale size of the active component. TPR method showed the shift of maximum hydrogen absorption to higher temperatures. Apparently, it occurs due to the interaction of the active components with the carrier till the new phase formation. On the basis of the gas chromatographic analysis the high activity of fiberglass catalysts at the carbon dioxide conversion of methane into synthesis gas with a conversion of the initial components close to ~ 100% was disclosed. The optimal technological conditions for the CDCM process were established – a temperature in the range of 850-900°С, the volumetric rate of initial reactants 4000-10000 h-¹ with a ratio of methane to carbon dioxide equal to 1.