This paper presents experimental and numerical studies on the fuel reforming process on an Ni/YSZ catalyst. Nickel is widely known as a catalyst material for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Because of its prices and catalytic properties, Ni is used in both electrodes and internal reforming reactors. However, using Ni as a catalyst carries some disadvantages. Carbon formation is a major problem during a methane/steam reforming reaction based on Ni catalysis. Carbon formation occurs between nickel and metal-support, creating fibers which damage the catalytic property of the reactor. To prevent carbon deposition, the steam-to-carbon ratio is kept between 3 and 5 throughout the entire process. To optimize the reforming reactors, detailed data about the entire reforming process is required. In the present paper kinetics of methane/steam reforming on the Ni/YSZ catalyst was experimentally investigated. Measurements including different thermal boundary conditions, the fuel flow rate and the steam-to-methane ratios were performed. The reforming rate equation derived from experimental data was used in the numerical model to predict synthetic gas composition at the outlet of the reformer.
Reaction Pathway for Coke-Free Methane Steam Reforming on a Ni/CeO2 Catalyst: Active Sites and the Role of Metal–Support Interactions
