Iron–ceria spinel (FeCe2O4) catalyst for dry reforming of propane to inhibit carbon formation

Enhancing CO and H2 Production in Propane Dry Reforming in Excess of CO2

This study focuses on addressing the challenges in the dry reforming of propane, a process historically marked by low syngas yields and only moderate conversions of CO2 and propane. The primary objective was to enhance CO2 utilization and boost the selectivity of syngas (CO and H2) production using titania-based catalysts. For synthesizing these catalysts, an impregnation method was employed with subsequent characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption, ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The titania-based catalysts generally possess weak acidic strength, with each catalyst displaying a unique reduction profile. The dry reforming process using these catalysts resulted in varying levels of propane conversion, with V/Ti, Ir/Ti, Al/Ti, and Zr/Ti catalysts showing distinct efficiencies. Notably, the Ir/Ti and V/Ti oxide catalysts achieved the lowest selectivity for generating intermediate byproducts such as methane, ethane, ethylene, and propylene while successfully promoting higher syngas CO and H2 production alongside stable propane conversion. When exposed to excess CO2, each catalyst consumed differing amounts of CO2 molecules. Particularly, the Ir/Ti and V/Ti oxide catalysts demonstrated enhanced activity in promoting CO2 reactions with intermediate radical species, facilitating carbon-carbon (C-C) bond dissociation and leading to increased syngas production. This study offers valuable insights into the potential of titania-based catalysts in improving the efficiency and selectivity of propane dry reforming processes for blue hydrogen.

Dry Reforming of Propane over γ-Al2O3 and Nickel Foam Supported Novel SrNiO3 Perovskite Catalyst

The SrNiO3 perovskite catalyst was synthesized by the citrate sol-gel method and supported on γ-Al2O3 and Nickel foam, which was used to produce syngas (CO and H2) via dry reforming of propane (DRP). Several techniques characterized the physicochemical properties of the fresh and spent perovskite catalyst. The X-ray diffractograms (XRD) characterization confirmed the formation of the perovskite compound. Before the catalytic activity test, SrNiO3 perovskite catalyst was reduced in the H2 atmosphere. Results indicated that the H2 reduction slightly increased the activity of the SrNiO3 perovskite catalyst. The catalytic activity was examined for the CO2/C3H8 ratio of 3 and reaction temperatures in the range of 550 °C–700 °C. The results from the catalytic study achieved 88% conversion of C3H8 and 66% conversion of CO2 with SrNiO3/NiF at 700 °C. Also, syngas with a maximum concentration of 21 vol.% of CO and 29 vol.% of H2 was produced from the DRP. The strong basicity of SrNiO3 perovskite enhanced the CO selectivity, resulting in minimal carbon formation. Post reaction catalyst characterization showed the presence of carbon deposition which could have originated from propane decomposition.