Novel Samarium Cobaltate/Silicon Carbide Composite Catalyst for Dry Reforming of Methane into Synthesis Gas

Abstract

The paper describes a specifically developed novel samarium cobaltate/silicon carbide composite that transforms into a high-performance carbon-resistant catalyst for dry reforming of methane into syngas (DRM). This 30%SmCoO3/70%SiC composite without hydrogen prereduction was tested in DRM at atmospheric pressure and GHSV 15 L g–1 h–1 (of an equimolar CH4–CO2 mixture). During the test, the yields of hydrogen and carbon monoxide reached 92 and 91 mol %, respectively, at 900°C, and 20 and 28 mol % at 700°C. Using XRD, TGA, and SEM examination, zero carbonization of the catalyst surface was demonstrated. It was found that, in the course of DRM, the initial composite transformed into a material that contained silicon carbide, samarium silicate, and samarium oxide, as well as metallic cobalt nanoparticles (20 nm).