Carbon Deposition in Steam Reforming and Methanation

Abstract

Abstract Deactivation of supported metal catalysts by carbon or coke formation is a problem of serious magnitude in steam reforming, methanation, and other important catalytic processes. Its causes are generally threefold: (1) fouling of the metal surface, (2) blockage of catalysts pores and voids, and/or (3) actual physical disintegration of the catalyst support. Since loss of catalytic activity and physical destruction of the catalyst by carbon deposits can occur rapidly (within hours or days) under unfavorable conditions, understanding and control of these effects are of major technological and economical importance.