Catalytic performances of Ni–CaO–mayenite in CO2 sorption enhanced steam methane reforming

•New method for the preparation of Ni–CaO·Ca12Al14O33 bi-functional materials.•The CaO carbonation shifts the equilibrium of the WGSR.•The sorption of CO2 by CaO improves the productivity of SMR and selectivity to hydrogen.•There is an optimal CaO/support ratio.•Methane steam reforming at low temperature (650 °C) thanks to an active and stable catalyst

Ni–CaO–mayenite (Ca12Al14O33) catalysts for the CO2 Sorption Enhanced Steam Methane Reforming (SE-SMR) have been developed using the microwave assisted self-combustion method of preparation. The sorption of CO2 by CaO shifts the steam reforming and the Water Gas Shift reaction (WGS) towards H2 production and favors the heat balance of the global reaction.The CO2 sorption has been studied on materials with different CaO/Ca12Al14O33 ratios and for different types of preparation. The specific surface area of materials, the temperature of Ni phases' reducibility and CO2 sorption are all essential for material efficiency. The Ni–CA75MM catalyst was the most active and stable in methane steam reforming with CO2 sorption, even at an unusually low temperature (650 °C).

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide