Enhancing CO and H₂ Production in Propane Dry Reforming in Excess of CO₂

This study focuses on addressing the challenges in the dry reforming of propane, a process historically marked by low syngas yields and only moderate conversions of CO₂ and propane. The primary objective was to enhance CO₂ utilization and boost the selectivity of syngas (CO and H₂) production using titania-based catalysts. For synthesizing these catalysts, an impregnation method was employed with subsequent characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption-desorption, ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The titania-based catalysts generally possess weak acidic strength, with each catalyst displaying a unique reduction profile. The dry reforming process using these catalysts resulted in varying levels of propane conversion, with V/Ti, Ir/Ti, Al/Ti, and Zr/Ti catalysts showing distinct efficiencies. Notably, the Ir/Ti and V/Ti oxide catalysts achieved the lowest selectivity for generating intermediate byproducts such as methane, ethane, ethylene, and propylene while successfully promoting higher syngas CO and H₂ production alongside stable propane conversion. When exposed to excess CO₂, each catalyst consumed differing amounts of CO₂ molecules. Particularly, the Ir/Ti and V/Ti oxide catalysts demonstrated enhanced activity in promoting CO₂ reactions with intermediate radical species, facilitating carbon-carbon (C-C) bond dissociation and leading to increased syngas production. This study offers valuable insights into the potential of titania-based catalysts in improving the efficiency and selectivity of propane dry reforming processes for blue hydrogen.