Ultra-rapid synthesis of syngas by the catalytic reforming of methane enhanced byin-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 ‡C or furnace temperature of 500 ‡C. The extraordinary high space-time yield of syngas was also confirmed even under the very rapid flow rate conditions as a contact time of 3 m-sec by using a monolithic shape of catalyst bed without back pressure.