Evaluation of Preoxidized SUS304 as a Catalyst for Hydrocarbon Reforming

Abstract

The feasibility of oxidation pretreated SUS304 alloy tube as a hydrocarbon reforming catalyst was investigated. It was hypothesized that preoxidation resulted in the dispersion of the active component and the formation of mixed metal oxides on the surface of the alloy which consequently rendered the alloy tube catalytically active towards reforming reaction. Oxidation pretreatment was done in O2 at 1000°C for 2 hours followed by a catalytic evaluation at 730°C for 2 hours. Tetradecane was used as a model compound for steam, partial oxidation, and CO2 reforming experiments. According to the collected XRD pattern, α-Fe2O3 and Cr2O3 were formed after oxidation pretreatment. In addition, SEM-EDX analysis showed a very rough surface composed of oxygen, chromium, iron, and nickel. Catalytic evaluation of the sample displayed activity towards partial oxidation and CO2 reforming which led to the conclusion that oxidation pretreated SUS304 alloy tube has a potential as a catalyst for partial oxidation and CO2 reforming of hydrocarbons. However, the varying activity observed suggested that each reforming reaction requires a specific formulation and morphology.