Plasma steam methane reforming (PSMR) using a microwave torch for commercial-scale distributed hydrogen production

Akande, Olugbenga; Lee, BongJu

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.10.258

Cited by 37 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…At present, many reactors (such as Arc, DBD, DC, MW, and RGA) can achieve high CH 4 conversion. [ 124 , 217 , 219 , 317 ] However, since the complexity of plasma chemistry, most PARM systems have low selectivity to desired products and complex product species distribution, limiting PARM systems' practicality. [ 151 , 302 ] Product selectivity is affected by many factors, and constructing catalysts with high selectivity is an effective strategy, however, so far, catalysts applied to PARM systems are mostly designed based on conventional methane reforming catalysts (Ni‐based catalysts), which are not optimally suited for plasma synergy.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[ 150 ] reported a catalyst‐free microwave plasma SMR technology for H 2 production, the H 2 selectivity at H 2 O/CH 4 = 3 is 71.3% and the CH 4 conversion is 95.3%. Akande and Lee [ 317 ] found that the H 2 O/CH 4 ratio is the vital factor affecting the CH 4 conversion, with CH 4 conversion close to 100% under given experimental conditions and increasing with H 2 O/CH 4 ratio. However, when the H 2 O/CH 4 ratio exceeds 4, CH 4 conversion showed no significant conversion; this implies a reduction in the energetic parameters in the discharge zone.…”

Section: Application Of Plasma Technology For Different Ch4 Reforming...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Plasma‐Assisted Reforming of Methane

Feng

Sun

et al. 2022

Advanced Science

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Methane (CH4) is inexpensive, high in heating value, relatively low in carbon footprint compared to coal, and thus a promising energy resource. However, the locations of natural gas production sites are typically far from industrial areas. Therefore, transportation is needed, which could considerably increase the sale price of natural gas. Thus, the development of distributed, clean, affordable processes for the efficient conversion of CH4 has increasingly attracted people's attention. Among them are plasma technology with the advantages of mild operating conditions, low space need, and quick generation of energetic and chemically active species, which allows the reaction to occur far from the thermodynamic equilibrium and at a reasonable cost. Significant progress in plasma‐assisted reforming of methane (PARM) is achieved and reviewed in this paper from the perspectives of reactor development, thermal and nonthermal PARM routes, and catalysis. The factors affecting the conversion of reactants and the selectivity of products are studied. The findings from the past works and the insight into the existing challenges in this work should benefit the further development of reactors, high‐performance catalysts, and PARM routes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Application Of Plasma Technology For Different Ch4 Reforming...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Plasma‐Assisted Reforming of Methane

Feng

Sun

et al. 2022

Advanced Science

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“…The electrification potential of the pyrometallurgical industry in distinct regions of the world such as in Quebec (Canada) is exceptional thanks to the low-carbon footprint electricity obtained from hydropower. 328 It has already benefited the primary aluminum and steel industry for decades now and could provide electrification opportunities to other processes including: Water electrolysis for H production Electric-based heating systems to replace fossil fuel burners in remelting furnaces and rotary kilns Steam methane reforming for H production via electric-based processes such as microwave plasma torches 329 Plastic recycling pyrolysis using microwave heating 330 Reuse It generally refers to the reuse of any material or energy stream as is. This is a more challenging aspect with regards to the process industry because the streams are constantly transformed, therefore making it less applicable in this context.…”

Section: Environmental Impact Mitigationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Steam methane reforming for H production via electric-based processes such as microwave plasma torches 329 …”

Section: Environmental Impact Mitigationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Greener reactants, renewable energies and environmental impact mitigation strategies in pyrometallurgical processes: A review

Harvey

Courchesne

et al. 2022

MRS Energy & Sustainability

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Metals and alloys are among the most technologically important materials for our industrialized societies. They are the most common structural materials used in cars, airplanes and buildings, and constitute the technological core of most electronic devices. They allow the transportation of energy over great distances and are exploited in critical parts of renewable energy technologies. Even though primary metal production industries are mature and operate optimized pyrometallurgical processes, they extensively rely on cheap and abundant carbonaceous reactants (fossil fuels, coke), require high power heating units (which are also typically powered by fossil fuels) to calcine, roast, smelt and refine, and they generate many output streams with high residual energy content. Many unit operations also generate hazardous gaseous species on top of large CO2 emissions which require gas-scrubbing and capture strategies for the future. Therefore, there are still many opportunities to lower the environmental footprint of key pyrometallurgical operations. This paper explores the possibility to use greener reactants such as bio-fuels, bio-char, hydrogen and ammonia in different pyrometallurgical units. It also identifies all recycled streams that are available (such as steel and aluminum scraps, electronic waste and Li-ion batteries) as well as the technological challenges associated with their integration in primary metal processes. A complete discussion about the alternatives to carbon-based reduction is constructed around the use of hydrogen, metallo-reduction as well as inert anode electrometallurgy. The review work is completed with an overview of the different approaches to use renewable energies and valorize residual heat in pyrometallurgical units. Finally, strategies to mitigate environmental impacts of pyrometallurgical operations such as CO2 capture utilization and storage as well as gas scrubbing technologies are detailed. This original review paper brings together for the first time all potential strategies and efforts that could be deployed in the future to decrease the environmental footprint of the pyrometallurgical industry. It is primarily intended to favour collaborative work and establish synergies between academia, the pyrometallurgical industry, decision-makers and equipment providers. Graphical abstract Highlights A more sustainable production of metals using greener reactants, green electricity or carbon capture is possible and sometimes already underway. More investments and pressure are required to hasten change. Discussion Is there enough pressure on the aluminum and steel industries to meet the set climate targets? The greenhouse gas emissions of existing facilities can often be partly mitigated by retrofitting them with green technologies, should we close plants prematurely to build new plants using greener technologies? Since green or renewable resources presently have limited availability, in which sector should we use them to maximize their benefits?

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“…Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier that can be produced from renewable energy sources, fossil fuels, or nuclear energy [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Fuel cells or combustion engines can use hydrogen to generate power without emissions [21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%