Influence of regeneration conditions on cyclic sorption-enhanced steam reforming of ethanol in fixed-bed reactor

The effect of regeneration conditions on the cyclic sorption-enhanced steam reforming of ethanol (SESRE) in a fixed-bed reactor was investigated. Columnar Ni-Ca catalysts were used in the cyclic SESRE experiments. The effects of different parameters, including temperature, purge direction, and purge gas on the regeneration process were discussed. The experimental results reveal that the regeneration temperature strongly affected not only the CO2 desorption rate but also the durability of the CaO sorbent. The stability of the CaO sorbent within the Ni-Ca catalyst was improved owing to the formation of Ca12Al14O33. Moreover, the type of purge gas (N2 or air) for regeneration had negligible effect on the CO2 capture performance of the Ni-Ca catalyst. For regeneration by air purging, coke decomposition over the Ni-Ca catalyst was accompanied by a slight decline in the activity of the Ni catalyst, which was attributed to the cyclic Ni redox. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study investigated the effect of regeneration conditions on cyclic sorption-enhanced steam reforming of ethanol using columnar Ni-Ca catalysts in a fixed-bed reactor. Results showed that the regeneration temperature significantly impacted both the CO2 desorption rate and the durability of the CaO sorbent, while the type of purge gas had negligible effect on the CO2 capture performance of the Ni-Ca catalyst. Regeneration with air purging led to coke decomposition and a slight decline in the activity of the Ni catalyst due to cyclic Ni redox.