Activated carbons as catalysts in the microwave-assisted CO_2 reforming of CH_4

摘要

Activated carbons have been studied as alternative catalysts for the CH_4 decomposition reaction, and CO_2 gasification as a possible process of regeneration of the deactivated carbons. Microwave-assisted dry reforming which takes place as a combination of both reactions, is a feasible "in situ" regeneration process. The gasification of carbonaceous deposits is important for the global reaction since it preserves microporosity, and so, the catalytic activity for CH_4 decomposition. Two different activated carbons are tested as catalysts, and differences in their CO_2 reactivities, besides the respective deposits from CH_4 decomposition, are found. Consequently, the activated carbon used as catalyst/microwave receptor influence on the operating conditions (mainly the ratio CO_2:CH_4) needed for achieved high conversions in the dry reforming reaction.