Methane Partial Oxidation (Steam Reforming)

CH4 + H2O → CO + 3H2

Descripción general

Methane reacts with steam over a nickel catalyst to produce synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Carbon is oxidized from -4 to +2 while hydrogen in water is reduced from +1 to 0. This highly endothermic reaction is performed at 700-1100 C and 15-30 atm.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Methane CH₄ 1 (g)
Reactivo Water H₂O 1 (g)
Producto Carbon Monoxide CO 1 (g)
Producto Hydrogen H 3 (g)

Ejemplo cotidiano

Over 95% of the world's hydrogen is produced by this reaction, supplying hydrogen for ammonia production that feeds half the world's population.

Importancia industrial

El reformado de metano con vapor produce más de 50 millones de toneladas de hidrógeno anuales, principalmente para la síntesis de amoníaco y el refino del petróleo en la industria petroquímica.

Propiedades

Tipo
Redox
Reversible
Sí
Energía
Endotérmico
ΔH
206,0 kJ/mol
Catalizador
Nickel on alumina

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Methane Partial Oxidation (Steam Reforming)?
The balanced equation is: CH₄ + H₂O → CO + 3H₂.
What type of reaction is Methane Partial Oxidation (Steam Reforming)?
Methane Partial Oxidation (Steam Reforming) is a redox reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Methane Partial Oxidation (Steam Reforming) exothermic or endothermic?
Methane Partial Oxidation (Steam Reforming) is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 206.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Methane Partial Oxidation (Steam Reforming)?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Nickel on alumina).