Catalytic carbon deposition-oxidation over Ni, Fe and Co catalysts : a new indirect route to store and transport gas hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract

In this work, a new two-step route to store and transport associated natural gas, promoted by Ni, Fe and Co supported catalyst was presented. Initially, CH4 is converted into carbon deposits (M/C composite), being Fe catalyst the most active catalyst. In Step 2, M/C composite reacts with H2O producing H2, CO and CH4. TPO experiments showed that efficiency and selectivity of oxidation depends on the metal. Ni catalyst produced mainly H2 and CO, while Fe system was more selective to convert carbon into CH4. The formation of C2 and C3 compounds suggests the presence of a Fischer Tropsch like process.