Methane Partial Oxidation (Steam Reforming)

CH4 + H2O → CO + 3H2

Aperçu

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.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Methane CH₄ 1 (g)
Réactif Water H₂O 1 (g)
Produit Carbon Monoxide CO 1 (g)
Produit Hydrogen H 3 (g)

Exemple du quotidien

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

Importance industrielle

Steam methane reforming produces over 50 million tonnes of hydrogen annually, primarily for ammonia synthesis and petroleum refining. It accounts for about 2% of global energy use.

Propriétés

Type
Redox
Réversible
Oui
Énergie
Endothermique
ΔH
206,0 kJ/mol
Catalyseur
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).