Design of mixed conducting ceramic membranes/reactors for the partial oxidation of methane to syngas

Ion-Conducting Ceramic Membrane Reactors for the Conversion of Chemicals

Ion-conducting ceramic membranes, such as mixed oxygen ionic and electronic conducting (MIEC) membranes and mixed proton-electron conducting (MPEC) membranes, have the potential for absolute selectivity for specific gases at high temperatures. By utilizing these membranes in membrane reactors, it is possible to combine reaction and separation processes into one unit, leading to a reduction in by-product formation and enabling the use of thermal effects to achieve efficient and sustainable chemical production. As a result, membrane reactors show great promise in the production of various chemicals and fuels. This paper provides an overview of recent developments in dense ceramic catalytic membrane reactors and their potential for chemical production. This review covers different types of membrane reactors and their principles, advantages, disadvantages, and key issues. The paper also discusses the configuration and design of catalytic membrane reactors. Finally, the paper offers insights into the challenges of scaling up membrane reactors from experimental stages to practical applications.

Catalytic mixed conducting ceramic membrane reactors for methane conversion

Schematic of catalytic mixed conducting ceramic membrane reactors for various reactions: (a) O₂ permeable ceramic membrane reactor; (b) H₂ permeable ceramic membrane reactor; (c) CO₂ permeable ceramic membrane reactor.

Oxidative CO2 reforming of methane in La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Ga0.2O3-δ (LSCG) hollow fiber membrane reactor

CO2 utilization in catalytic membrane reactors for syngas production is an environmentally benign solution to counter the escalating global CO2 concerns. In this study, integration of a La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Ga0.2O3-δ (LSCG) hollow fiber membrane reactor with Ni/LaAlO3-Al2O3 catalyst for the oxidative CO2 reforming of methane (OCRM) reaction was successfully tested for 160 h of reaction. High CH4 and CO2 conversions of ca. 94% and 73% were obtained with O2 flux ca. 1 mL·min(-1)·cm(-2) at 725 °C for the 160-h stability test. Surface temperature programmed desorption studies of the membrane were conducted with H2, CO, and CO2 as probe gases to facilitate understanding on the effect of H2 and CO product gases as well as CO2 reactant gases on the membrane surface. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of the postreacted membrane after 160-h stability tests suggests Sr-enriched phases with the presence of adsorbed carbonate and hydrogenated carbon. This shows the subsequent reactant spillover on the membrane surface from the catalyst bed took place due to the reaction occurring on the catalyst. However, XRD analysis of the bulk structure does not show any phase impurities, thus confirming the structural integrity of the LSCG hollow fiber membrane.