Reduction characteristics of CuFe2O4 and Fe3O4 by methane; CuFe2O4 as an oxidant for two-step thermochemical methane reforming

The reduction characteristics of CuFe2O4 and Fe3O4 by methane at 600–900 °C were determined in a thermogravimetric analyzer for the purpose of using CuFe2O4 as an oxidant of two-step thermochemical methane reforming. It was found that the addition of Cu to Fe3O4 largely affected the reduction kinetics and carbon formation in methane reduction. In the case of CuFe2O4, the reduction kinetics was found to be faster than that of Fe3O4. Furthermore, carbon deposition and carbide formation from methane decomposition were effectively inhibited. In case of Fe3O4, Fe metal formed from Fe3O4 decomposed methane catalytically, that lead to the formation of graphite and Fe3C phases. It is deduced that Cu in CuFe2O4 enhanced reduction kinetics, decreased reduction temperature and prevented carbide and graphite formation. Additionally, methane conversion and CO selectivity in the syngas production step with CuFe2O4 were in the range of 33.5–55.6% and 54.9–59.6%, respectively.