Synthesis of hydrogen-carbon monoxide fuel from methane-carbon dioxide mixed gases

Thermal decomposition of methane (CH4 -> C + 2H(2)) needed a high temperature above 900 degrees C and only 15% of methane decomposed at 1000 degrees C. On the other hand, 90% of methane decomposed to form H-2 and C at 700-900 degrees C by passing through the 70 vol% Al2O3-30 vol% Ni porous compact. When 50% CH4-50% CO2 mixed gases were passed through the porous compact with Ni, 55% H-2-45% CO fuel was produced at 700-900 degrees C (CH4 + CO2 -> 2H(2) + 2CO). In a high temperature range from 700 to 900 degrees C, the reforming rate of CH4 with CO2 became higher than the pyrolysis rate of CH4. The above results were well explained by the thermodynamic calculation along the distance from the surface of Ni-Al2O3 compact against the inlet gas. (C) 2009 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.