Ultra-rapid synthesis of syngas by the catalytic reforming of methane enhanced by in-situ heat supply through combustion

Development in highly active catalysts for the reforming of methane with CO2 and partial oxidation of methane was conducted to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide with high reaction rates. An Ni-based four-components catalyst, Ni-Ce2O3-Pt-Rh, supported on an alumina wash-coated ceramic fiber in a plate shape was suitable for the objective reaction. By combining the catalytic combustion of ethane or propane, methane conversion was markedly enhanced, and a high space-time yield of syngas, 25,000 mol/l.h was obtained at a catalyst temperature of 700 degrees C or furnace temperature of 500 degrees C. The extraordinary high space-time yield of syngas was also confirmed even under the very rapid now rate conditions as a contact time of 3 m-sec by using a monolithic shape of catalyst bed without back pressure.