Development of a novel synthesis-gas production system combining with carbon capture

The dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an important reaction process for producing useful synthesis gas from greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4. The objective of this study was to develop a combined system that continuously produced of synthesis gas (via dry reforming) and captured post-reformer carbon solids (via carbon capture). The relationship between the DRM reaction condition and the carbon deposition phenomena at the capture stage was investigated. The Ni/Al2O3 structured catalyst showed high DRM activity and stability under the conditions of CO2/CH4 >= 1.2 at 700 degrees C, whereas the most effective conditions for carbon capture occurred at 520-650 degrees C when the ratio of CO2/CH4 = 1.0. The carbon morphology (e.g., carbon nanotubes and nanofibers) also changed as a function of the capturing temperature. This constructed system would be a novel technology for the effective utilization of CO2 and CH4.