Methane conversion to syngas in a palladium membrane reactor

Catalytic partial oxidation and dry reforming of methane to syngas have been carried out on Pd/Al2O3 between 350-550 degrees C and 550-600 degrees C, respectively. A conventional fixed-bed reactor and a membrane reactor containing dense palladium membrane prepared by electroless-plating were used. The CH4 conversion, and CO and H-2 yield were considerably enhanced in the membrane reactor for both processes. CH4 conversion increased between 4-20%. The CO and H-2 yield increased between 2-20% and 8-18%, respectively. However, filamentous carbon formation on the palladium membrane and membrane swelling leading to its destruction were confirmed by SEM. Therefore, the applicability of a palladium membrane for hydrogen separation from process streams containing methane or carbon monoxide seems unlikely. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.