Work

Mechanistic-fuzzy kinetic model for CO2 methanation over Ni-CeO2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst under industrial reactor conditions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study aims to develop mechanistic kinetic models applicable to the operating conditions of industrial methanation reactors and presents a thorough experimental investigation of CO 2 methanation on Ni-CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalysts. A wide range of reaction conditions was investigated, including temperature (423–823 K), pressure (1–21 atm), gas hourly space velocity (GHSV: 1,815,446–3,630,931 h -1 ), and H 2 /CO 2 ratios (2–5). The influence of mass transport resistances and the addition of products such as CH 4 and H 2 O on the methane reaction rate (r CH 4 ) was also investigated. A data set comprising of 93 experimental runs was used to develop a kinetic model capable of accurately predicting the reaction rate. Ni-CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalysts shows an apparent activation energy of 45.16 kJ·mol − 1 . Data obtained under differential conditions adjust quite precisely to a power-law model with H 2 O inhibition. Based on in-situ DRIFTS results, a mechanistic-fuzzy kinetic model where formate and direct carbon dissociation pathways are considered was proposed. By complementing both routes, this mechanistic kinetic model demonstrated high accuracy, with an absolute mean deviation of 9.53 %. Therefore, this model provides a reliable framework for the design of industrial scale methanation reactors under wide range of reaction conditions.

Source: Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2025.12.003

Authors: A. Alarcón, T. Andreu, J. Guilera

Institutions: Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,500