New Perspectives on Catalytic Hydrogen Production by the Reforming, Partial Oxidation and Decomposition of Methane and Biogas

Abstract

The article provides a short review on catalyst-based processes for the production of hydrogen starting from methane, both of fossil origin and from sustainable processes. The three main paths of steam- and dry-reforming, partial oxidation and thermo-catalytic decomposition are briefly introduced and compared, above all with reference to the latest publications available and to new catalysts which obey the criteria of lower environmental impact and minimize the content of critical raw materials. The novel strategies based on chemical looping with CO2 utilization, membrane separation, electrical-assisted (plasma and microwave) processes, multistage reactors and catalyst patterning are also illustrated as the most promising perspective for CH4 reforming, especially on small and medium scale. Although these strategies should only be considered at a limited level of technological readiness, research on these topics, including catalyst development and process optimization, represents the crucial challenge for the scientific community.

A Review on the Use of Catalysis for Biogas Steam Reforming

“…There are numerous reviews on this subject among these articles published since 2000 [42][43][44], which have focused on several aspects such as methodologies, technologies, general processes, and catalysts, etc. Regarding research papers, according to Table 3, where the most cited articles about this subject are included, it should be noted that they are relatively new articles, proving the interest in this subject by the scientific community.…”

“…Concerning steam addition, high S/C ratios (at least 1.5, achieving excess of feed vapor) are recommended to avoid coke deposition, among other factors like high pressure [100,118]. However, from an economic point of view, the production of large quantities of superheated vapor would imply a considerable increase in costs [42]. Additionally, some studies have pointed out the possible catalyst deactivation on time-on-stream, especially at high temperatures, observing a direct correlation between deactivation rates and high S/C, mainly due to the steam-induced metal-support interaction, resulting in an inactive spinel phase and not due to metal reoxidation [89].…”

Direct biogas reforming to turquoise H2 and carbon material in a catalytic fluidised-bed reactor

“…1 The dry reforming of biogas is seen as a sustainable pathway to produce decarbonised hydrogen, although it is accompanied by CO 2 emissions. 2 On the other hand, the cracking of methane can produce CO 2 -free hydrogen, since the carbon is stored in solid form. 3–7 The feedstock of methane can be natural gas (NG) or biogas, which would need to be treated through separation processes to remove CO 2 , notably to obtain biomethane.…”

Improvement of Process Conditions for H2 Production by Chemical Looping Reforming

“…Steam methane reforming (SMR), (R1), is the most employed process for hydrogen and syngas production, despite its notable contributions to global CO 2 emissions [1][2][3] and the high production costs connected with heat supply at high temperature (650-1000 • C) and pressure (5-40 bar) [4][5][6].…”