Thermodynamic analysis and process simulation for the H2 production by dry reforming of ethanol with CaCO3

•The use of a CaCO3 as a source of CO2 in the dry reforming of ethanol.•Thermodynamic analysis and process simulation to explore reaction conditions.•Carbon free syngas production at T ≥ 750 °C and CaCO3/C2H5OH ≥ 2.2.•Maximum H2 content was obtained at 790 °C.

The dry reforming of hydrocarbons, which employs CO2 to produce hydrogen–synthesis gas (H2-syngas) and the use of ethanol as a renewable feedstock is a convenient process that would prevent CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. One innovative approach is the use of a solid carbonate to serve as a source of CO2 for this process. Decomposition of a solid carbonate at high temperatures, will emit CO2, which is then can be used as a raw material along with ethanol (EtOH) to produce H2-syngas. The present work is aimed to perform a thermodynamic analysis and process simulation to explore reaction conditions close to equilibrium for a high H2-syngas production, under the dry reforming of ethanol. CaCO3 was used as CO2 source for the reaction system. Results indicate that at T ≥ 750 °C and CaCO3/EtOH ≥ 2.2, a free carbon formation syngas can be produced. Maximum H2 was obtained at 790 °C.