Methane conversion to syngas in a palladium membrane reactor

Abstract Catalytic partial oxidation and dry reforming of methane to syngas have been carried out on Pd/Al2O3 between 350–550°C and 550–600°C, respectively. A conventional fixed-bed reactor and a membrane reactor containing dense palladium membrane prepared by electroless-plating were used. The CH4 conversion, and CO and H2 yield were considerably enhanced in the membrane reactor for both processes. CH4 conversion increased between 4–20%. The CO and H2 yield increased between 2–20% and 8–18%, respectively. However, filamentous carbon formation on the palladium membrane and membrane swelling leading to its destruction were confirmed by SEM. Therefore, the applicability of a palladium membrane for hydrogen separation from process streams containing methane or carbon monoxide seems unlikely.