Activated carbons as catalysts in the microwave-assisted CO2 reforming of CH4

摘要

Activated carbons have been studied as alternative catalysts for the CH4 decomposition reaction, and CO2 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 CH4 decomposition. Two different activated carbons are tested as catalysts, and differences in their CO2 reactivities, besides the respective deposits from CH4 decomposition, are found. Consequently, the activated carbon used as catalyst/microwave receptor influence on the operating conditions (mainly the ratio CO2:CH4) needed for achieved high conversions in the dry reforming reaction.