A review of catalytic partial oxidation of fossil fuels and biofuels: Recent advances in catalyst development and kinetic modelling

Synthesis gas production is a technology that dates to the 1950s. Recently, the conversion of hydrocarbons to syngas has played an important role in various applications from gas-to-liquid (GTL) processes to fuel cell applications. However, the current industrial production method is only profitable when large quantities of syngas are produced and generates high amounts of CO2 as a by-product. With the growing demands for smaller-scale and mobile syngas production technology, the catalytic partial oxidation of hydrocarbons has become a promising alternative to the conventional methane steam reforming technology. With the infrastructure for production and distribution of many commercial fuels already in place, numerous studies have been done on conversion of these fuels into syngas. This paper reviews the research that has been done in the past decade on the catalytic partial oxidation of conventional fuels and biofuels. The challenges faced in catalyst development are described as well as solutions that have been proposed to address those challenges. Advances in kinetic modelling of catalytic partial oxidation are presented, and techniques used to develop such models have also been highlighted. Finally, research gaps have been identified and recommendations have been given for further investigations to address current challenges.