Kinetic Analysis on Low-Temperature Steam Reforming of Methane Using a Ruthenium Supported Catalyst

Abstract

Reaction rates of methane steam reforming for hydrogen production at low temperatures 400-525°C were measured to establish the rate expression. A 2wt% ruthenium supported alumina was used as a catalyst. As the measured rates were analyzed based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism, it was found that the surface reaction between methane and water adsorbed was the rate-determining step and the following expression could well explain the kinetic data obtained experimentally.
r=k/ (1+KCH₄PCH₄+KH₂OPH₂O+KH₂PH₂) ⁴/ (PCH₄PH₂O-PCO_2PH2⁴/KP)