This work has focused on the methane conversion by steam reforming and dry reforming processes, through new catalyst formulations in order to increase the selectivity of expected products (H₂), to reduce carbon monoxide production (CO) and to limit the coke formation. Two categories of catalysts were evaluated in these reactions : nickel-based catalysts and ruthenium-based catalysts supported by ceria and/or alumina. It has been reported that the ruthenium-based catalysts supported by alumina provide important catalytic activity and high resistance to coke deposition in the methane reforming reactions. Ceria played a determining role in the nickel-based catalysts by enhancing the active phase dispersion without agglomerates and coke formation. Works have also continued on the improvement of the monometallic catalyst and an active bimetallic catalyst (Ru-Ni/CeO₂-Al₂O₃), selective and stable in hydrogen production from methane has been developed. The addition of a second metal helps maintaining Ni in its active form, preventing the coke formation on the catalyst surface. For the two considered reactions, the excellent performance was largely due to the adjustment of the reactions and catalyst parameters offering a real potential industrial application.
Recovery of hydrogen from methane by catalytic reforming