Isotopic steam investigations of hematite (Fe2O3) for chemical looping combustion of methane

• Isotopic exchange study for steam effect of methane combustion
• Steam methane reforming is faster than methane combustion over hematite.
• Adsorption of hydrogen into iron structure

The effect of steam on the chemical looping combustion of methane over hematite (Fe2O3) is studied by the isotopic exchange method coupled with mass spectroscopy. Traditional steam was replaced with deuterium-oxide providing interesting mechanistic information not previously reported. The rapid kinetics of steam reforming were established before complete combustion reaction, and adsorption of deuterium into the iron structure was observed. Additionally, the presence of deuterium-oxide drastically reduced the combustion conversion of methane to carbon dioxide.

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