Kinetic studies of the dry reforming of methane over the Rh/La 2O3-SiO2 catalyst

Abstract

Rh(0.6%)/La2O2(27%)-SiO2 is one of the best catalysts used in membrane reactors for the CO2 reforming of methane. A reliable rate equation is needed to model the system. Hence, the fresh and used/catalysts were duly characterized using several instrumental techniques (TPD, DRIFTS, and XPS). The kinetic behavior of the catalysts in the reforming reaction was investigated as a function of temperature and partial pressure of CH4 and CO2. The rate of methane consumption showed fractional order dependency on the partial pressures of both reactants. A reaction mechanism adopted from the literature and supported by the characterization data presented here led to a kinetic equation that fits the experimental data obtained. This study contributes to a better qualitative and quantitative understanding of the dry reforming of methane occurring on Rh catalysts supported on La-containing oxides.