Development of the Sabatier Reaction Catalyst for Practical Space Systems

Abstract

The Sabatier reaction catalyzed by titania-supported ruthenium (Ru/TiO2) was investigated for the aim of practical water (H2O) generation from reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) with hydrogen (H2) at lower temperatures. Various Ru/TiO2 catalysts in powder form were prepared by a dry processing named “barrel-sputtering”. Hydrogenation of CO2 to methane successfully proceeded on the catalysts at temperatures below 300°C without the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) even if pretreatment of the catalysts was carried out. It is noteworthy that catalytic activity of Ru/TiO2 catalyst was enhanced when the catalyst was immobilized in a three-dimensional structure. In addition, use of the immobilized catalysts resulted in significant alleviation of not only catalyst weight but also temperature differences in the reactor.