Nickel-based tri-reforming catalyst for the production of synthesis gas

The tri-reforming reaction was carried out over NiO–YSZ–CeO2 catalyst to produce a synthesis gas from greenhouse gases like CH4 and CO2 contributing to the greenhouse effect. The NiO–YSZ–CeO2 catalysts were characterized by N2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. It was found that the tri-reforming reaction was more favorable than the dry reforming reaction for the production of synthesis gas. It was also observed that NiO–YSZ–CeO2 catalyst showed higher catalytic activity and stability than commercial Holder Topsoe (HT) and Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) catalysts in the tri-reforming of CH4. The results suggest that the tri-reforming process can be applied to the production of high-valued chemicals and the fuel processor of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) systems.

Graphical abstractTri-reforming reaction, the combination of partial oxidation, steam and dry reforming of methane, was carried out over NiO–YSZ–CeO2 catalyst. It was found that the tri-reforming was a desirable process for the effective production of syngas with desired H2/CO ratio without CO2 pre-separation. Also, the NiO–YSZ–CeO2 catalyst showed higher catalytic activity and stability than commercial steam reforming catalysts.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide