(560c) Tri-Reforming of CH4 over Non-Noble (Cu, Ni) Metal Catalyst Supported on Basic Oxide (MgO, ZrO2) for the Production of Syn-Gas with the H2/CO Ratio of 1.5-2

CO₂ and CH₄ are the two most problematic greenhouse gases that create adverse effects on the environment. The conversion of these two anthropogenic gases to syn-gas and hydrogen through tri-reforming process is a promising route. The syn-gas with the H₂/CO ratio of 1.5-2 is highly desirable as a feedstock in the Fischer-Tropsch process for the synthesis of various important chemicals, including dimethyl ether (DME), higher alkenes, methanol, and substitute natural gas (SNG), etc. In this study, various non-noble metal (Ni, Cu) catalysts supported on basic oxide (MgO, ZrO₂) were synthesized by precipitation followed by the wetness impregnation technique. The physico-chemical properties of these catalysts were characterized by several N₂ adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), CO₂-temperature programmed desorption (CO₂-TPD), etc. The tri-reforming activity of these catalysts were evaluated in a continuous downflow tubular packed bed reactor at different temperatures (650-800 ^oC), feed ratios, and at atmospheric pressure. At 800 ^oC, and at the optimum feed (CH₄: CO₂: H₂O: O_2: N₂) ratio of (1: 0.5: 0.0125: 0.1: 1.0), Cu-Zn-MgO catalyst demonstrated the CH₄ and CO₂ conversion of 40 %, and ~20%, respectively. The catalyst activity was significantly improved for 5 wt.% Ni/ZrO₂ catalyst. At lower temperature of 700^oC, higher CH₄ (86%) and CO₂ conversion (~28%) was. The obtained H₂/CO ration over the 5 wt.% Ni/ZrO₂ catalyst was ~1.6, and it was almost constant for a longer period with negligible coke deposition. The activation energy with respect to CH₄ and CO₂ was calculated as 47 kJ/mol and 191 kJ/mol, respectively.