Pore control using the nano structured powders on the fabrication of porous membrane and its application

In this study, a catalytic membrane with controlled pore size and structure was fabricated with nano sized particles and used in a steam and dry reforming reaction. The catalytic membrane was made using uniaxial-pressing and thermal treatment of the mixed powder. Nano sized yttria stabilized ZrO2 added to the nickel powder was determined to be a key factor in the preparation of the catalytic membrane. The membrane did not show the sintering effect due to the hindering of nickel agglomeration when subjected to heat treatment at high temperature. The optimum yttria stabilized ZrO2 content was below 1 wt% due to its strength and porosity. It was also unnecessary to deposit an additional reforming catalyst on the catalytic membrane, since the surface nickel site displayed excellent catalytic activity. When a mixture of methane and water/carbon dioxide was fed into the YSZ-Ni catalytic membrane reactor, the activity trended exceeded the performance of a conventional catalyst reactor, because of the difference in the flux of the gases.