Kinetic Studies of the Dry Reforming of Methane over the Rh/La2O3-SiO2 Catalyst

J. F. MÚNERA, L. M. CORNAGLIA, D. VARGAS CESAR, M. SCHMAL, E. A. LOMBARDO

INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMICAL RESEARCH

ACS Publications

Año: 2007 vol. 46 p. 7543 - 7549

0888-5885

Rh(0.6%)/La2O2(27%)-SiO2 is one of the best catalysts used in membrane reactors for the CO2 reforming ofmethane. A reliable rate equation is needed to model the system. Hence, the fresh and used catalysts wereduly characterized using several instrumental techniques (TPD, DRIFTS, and XPS). The kinetic behavior ofthe catalysts in the reforming reaction was investigated as a function of temperature and partial pressure ofCH4 and CO2. The rate of methane consumption showed fractional order dependency on the partial pressuresof both reactants. A reaction mechanism adopted from the literature and supported by the characterizationdata presented here led to a kinetic equation that fits the experimental data obtained. This study contributesto a better qualitative and quantitative understanding of the dry reforming of methane occurring on Rh catalystssupported on La-containing oxides.