Optimization of Ni loading and operating conditions for carbon dioxide reforming of methane over NiO/CeO2 catalyst using response surface methodology

I Istadi (Chemical Reaction Engineering Group (CREG), Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)
Nor Aishah Saidina Amin (Chemical Reaction Engineering Group (CREG), Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)
Mohd Nizam Ahmad Sanusi (Chemical Reaction Engineering Group (CREG), Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)

Jurnal Teknik Kimia Indonesia
Vol 4, No 2 (2005)

Optimization of Ni loading and operating conditions for carbon dioxide reforming of methane over NiO/CeO2 catalyst using response surface methodologyModelling and optimization of Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane (CORM) reaction over NiO/CeO2 catalyst were developed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Relationship between responses, i.e. CH, conversion, H2 and CO selectivities, and three independent variables, i.e. reactor temperature, CO2/CH4 ratio, and wt. % Ni in the CeO-supported catalyst, were presented as empirical mathematical models. The models showed a good fitting to the experimental data statistically. The NiO/CeO2 showed a potential catalyst for the CORM process, though some coking formations were found. The catalysts exhibited a promising catalytic performance with the unity H2/CO ratio in the product, high methane conversion, and low reverse water gas shift reaction. The reactor temperature, CO2/CH4 ratio, and wt. % Ni in the CeO2-supported catalyst being 840oC, 1, and 6.5%, respectively were suggested with respect to CH4 conversion, H2 and CO selectivity, and H2/CO ratio of 75.7%, 68.5%, 54.5%, and 1.03, respectively. Keywords: Carbon dioxide reforming of methane, NiO/CeO, catalyst, Response Surface Methodology AbstrakPermodelan dan optimisasi reaksi pembentukan kembali metana dengan karbondioksida (CORM) melalui katalis NiO/CeO2 telah dikembangkan dengan menggunakan Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Hubungan antara respon-respon (konversi CH, selektifitas H2 and CO) dengan tiga peubah tak bergantung (temperatur reaktor; rasio CO2/CH4, dan % berat Ni dalam katalis berpenyangga CeO) dinyatakan dalam model matematika empiris. Model empiris tersebut secara statistik menunjukkan korelasi yang baik terhadap data-data eksperimen.  NiO/CeO2 tersebut menunjukkan sebuah katalis yang berpotensi untuk proses CORM. Katalis tersebut menunjukkan kinerja katalitik yang menjanjikan dengan rasio H2/CO mendekati satu dalam produk, konversi metana yang tinggi, dan reaksi reverse water gas shift yang rendah. Temperatur reactor 840oC, rasio CO2/CH4, 1, dan 6.5 wt. % Ni adalah direkomendasikan dengan konversi CH4 75.7%, selektifitas H2 68.5%, selektifitas CO 54.5%, dan rasio H2/CO 1.03. Kata Kunci: Pembentukan kembali metana dengan karbondioksida, Katalis NiO/CeO2, Response Surface Methodology