A thermodynamic analysis of biogas-to-methanol conversion with CH4 recycling and CO2 utilization using Aspen HYSYS

Hydrocarbon reforming routes are renowned for producing a multitude of energy-effective renewable fuels and/or chemicals.

Tuning the Selectivity of LaNiO3 Perovskites for CO2 Hydrogenation through Potassium Substitution

Herein, we demonstrate a method used to tune the selectivity of LaNiO3 (LNO) perovskite catalysts through the substitution of La with K cations. LNO perovskites were synthesised using a simple sol-gel method, which exhibited 100% selectivity towards the methanation of CO2 at all temperatures investigated. La cations were partially replaced by K cations to varying degrees via control of precursor metal concentration during synthesis. It was demonstrated that the reaction selectivity between CO2 methanation and the reverse water gas shift (rWGS) could be tuned depending on the initial amount of K substituted. Tuning the selectivity (i.e., ratio of CH4 and CO products) between these reactions has been shown to be beneficial for downstream hydrocarbon reforming, while valorizing waste CO2. Spectroscopic and temperature-controlled desorption characterizations show that K incorporation on the catalyst surface decrease the stability of C-based intermediates, promoting the desorption of CO formed via the rWGS prior to methanation.

Evaluation of Preoxidized SUS304 as a Catalyst for Hydrocarbon Reforming

The feasibility of oxidation pretreated SUS304 alloy tube as a hydrocarbon reforming catalyst was investigated. It was hypothesized that preoxidation resulted in the dispersion of the active component and the formation of mixed metal oxides on the surface of the alloy which consequently rendered the alloy tube catalytically active towards reforming reaction. Oxidation pretreatment was done in O2 at 1000°C for 2 hours followed by a catalytic evaluation at 730°C for 2 hours. Tetradecane was used as a model compound for steam, partial oxidation, and CO2 reforming experiments. According to the collected XRD pattern, α-Fe2O3 and Cr2O3 were formed after oxidation pretreatment. In addition, SEM-EDX analysis showed a very rough surface composed of oxygen, chromium, iron, and nickel. Catalytic evaluation of the sample displayed activity towards partial oxidation and CO2 reforming which led to the conclusion that oxidation pretreated SUS304 alloy tube has a potential as a catalyst for partial oxidation and CO2 reforming of hydrocarbons. However, the varying activity observed suggested that each reforming reaction requires a specific formulation and morphology.