Study on steam reforming of naphthalene in presence of supported catalysts

ABSTRACT

Due to the limitations of existing methods, steam reforming is the most important method of hydrogen production. In this study, we intend to investigate the potential of two Rh/Al₂O₃ and Cr/Al₂O₃ catalysts in the conversion of naphthalene in the steam reforming process. For this purpose, the experimental method was first described in a fluidized bed reactor. In the next step, the effect of various parameters such as catalysts, temperature and steam/carbon ratio on naphthalene conversion was investigated. With increase in temperature from 700°C to 850°C, the naphthalene conversion increased from 43.2% to 82.8% for Rh/Al₂O₃ and from 39.0% to 77.9% for Cr/Al₂O₃. Hydrogen production increased as the injection of steam into the reactor increased which can be explained based on the principle of Le Chatelier.

KEYWORDS:

• catalyst
• FB
• hydrogen
• naphthalene
• steam reforming