Syngas production through dry reforming: A review on catalysts and their materials, preparation methods and reactor type

Dry reforming of light hydrocarbons such as methane has gained interest due to the consumption of greenhouse gases like methane and CO2 and production of syngas (H2 and CO). Among light hydrocarbons, methane has gained attention due to it’s abundance. Besides, biogas, produced from biomass, leads to air pollution when flared or emitted; therefore, it can be converted to syngas through dry reforming of biogas. Additionally, dry reforming of ethanol and glycerol has been considered as renewable resource for syngas production. Further, dry reforming of biomass-derivatives is an alternative approach to produce syngas. Various catalysts have been used in these processes to produce syngas; however, rapid coke formation and catalyst deactivation are the major challenges during these reactions. Thus, many factors should be considered to design an efficient catalyst with high activity and low cost. Noble metal-based catalysts show great catalytic performance in these reactions, non– noble metal based catalysts are more useful due to their abundances and lower prices. To decrease the amount of coke deposition, bimetallic catalysts, and basic promoters have been highly recommended. Moreover, it has been reported that catalysts’ preparation method, reaction conditions, and type of reactor dramatically affect the catalytic performances. This review has evaluated the effects of catalysts, catalyst preparation materials and methods, process conditions, nature of the feedstock, and types of the reactor on dry reforming of methane.