Ceramic Membrane Reactor for Hydrogen and Chemicals Production from Methane

The utilization of methane has become more attractive due to the decline in reserves of crude oil and the abundance of natural gas. The non-oxidative dehydroaromatization of methane (MDA) has great potential to directly convert methane into higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen compared to the energy intensive 2-step steam reforming/Fishcher-Tropsch process. However, intrinsic kinetics and thermodynamics of the reaction have been problematic in trying to commercialize the process. This talk considers the technique of shifting the reaction equilibrium in order to increase the methane conversion by continuously removing hydrogen from the product stream via ceramic membrane reactor. We will discuss the emerging technologies of the synthesis of the metal/silica catalysts and the fabrication of the thin hydrogen permeable membrane (SrCe0.7Zr0.2Eu0.1O3-δ) on tubular support. The integrated reaction/separation system can be optimized by manipulating the composition of the catalysts, and composition and thickness of the SrCe0.7Zr0.2Eu0.1O3-δ tubular membrane. This work offers a unique opportunity to develop a novel membrane reactor for the very active MDA process.