The dynamics of partial oxidation of ethane over platinum

Catalysts are increasingly finding application in fuel reformation leading to more reactive blends, micro-combustors and nano-catalysts aimed at improving application performance. In the current work, the interactions of surface and gas phase reactions in C2H6/O2/N2 mixtures over a supported platinum catalyst are reported. Experiments were combined with computations featuring comprehensive detailed chemistry for both phases in order to explore the dynamics of the conversion processes using high superficial gas velocities, extended Al2O3 foam monoliths up to 60 mm in length and with variable Pt loading of 1% and 3% by weight. The residence time was varied between 1 and 3 ms at different oxygen to carbon weight (0.5 < O/C < 0.8) ratios and a constant molar hydrogen to oxygen (H2/O2 = 2) ratio. The applied gas phase chemistry features a detailed C1–C2 mechanism including low-temperature chemistry. The heterogeneous chemistry is analysed using two independently developed detailed heterogeneous reaction mechanisms [1] and [2]. The study confirms that the heterogeneous chemistry is essential in providing reaction stability and initially contributes to the formation of C2H4. It is also shown that increased residence times can result in a consistent heterogeneous consumption of ethylene principally leading to methane, carbon monoxide and carbon deposition. The surface chemistry is analysed in detail and it is shown that residence times can be used to mitigate C2H4 loss with the need to balance the stability of the process.