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 °C, whereas the most effective conditions for carbon capture occurred at 520-650 °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.