Catalytic bi-reforming of methane: from greenhouse gases to syngas

The bi-reforming reaction to produce syngas from CH4 and CO2 offers significant advantages over dry reforming and oxy-CO2 with respect to catalyst deactivation by carbonization. This approach has potential for powerful new alternatives and is entering the stage of increasing advanced research toward commercialization of the technology. Research is ongoing to develop catalysts that are resistant to high temperatures and the presence of a more oxidative environment due to steam. All current research on bi-reforming catalysis is focused on Ni-based catalysts, a logical extension based on commercial materials on steam/methane reforming and dry reforming. However, recent work on thermally stable crystalline oxides has promise, particularly in resisting carbon deposition while remaining stable at the demanding conditions of bi-reforming.