Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas in a Packed Bed Catalyst Membrane Reactor

The planar membrane reactor configuration was explored for partial oxidation of methane to syngas. A supported membrane composed of yttria-stabilized zirconia and La0.8Sr0.2Cr0.5Fe0.5O3-delta was sealed to a stainless holder, and a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst bed was placed under the membrane plane with a small slit between them. This reactor configuration would facilitate the POM reaction via oxidation-reforming mechanism: the oxidation reaction occurring at the membrane surface and the reforming reaction taking place in the catalyst bed. At 800 degrees C and a methane feed rate of 32 ml min-1, the reactor attained methane throughput conversion over 90%, CO and H2 selectivity both over 95%,and an equivalent oxygen permeation rate 1.4 ml cm(-2) min(-1).The membrane and catalyst remained intact after the POM testing. The planar membrane reactor configuration explored in the present study may lead to the development of a compact reactor for syngas production. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.