Mixed reforming of heptane to syngas in the Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 membrane reactor

Fuel cells are recognized as the most promising new power generation technology, but hydrogen supply is still a problem. In our previous work, we have developed a LiLaNiO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, which is excellent not only for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, but also for steam reforming and autothermal reforming. However, the reaction needs pure oxygen or air as oxidant. We have developed a dense oxygen permeable membrane Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 which has an oxygen permeation flux around 11.5 ml/cm2 min at reaction conditions. Therefore, this work is to combine the oxygen permeable membrane with the catalyst LiLaNiO/γ-Al2O3 in a membrane reactor for hydrogen production by mixed reforming of heptane. Under optimized reaction conditions, a heptane conversion of 100%, a CO selectivity of 91–93% and a H2 selectivity of 95–97% have been achieved.