Methane Partial Oxidation (Steam Reforming)

CH4 + H2O → CO + 3H2

Visão geral

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

Papel Substância Coeficiente Estado
Reagente Methane CH₄ 1 (g)
Reagente Water H₂O 1 (g)
Produto Carbon Monoxide CO 1 (g)
Produto Hydrogen H 3 (g)

Exemplo do 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.

Importância industrial

A reformação do metano a vapor produz mais de 50 milhões de toneladas de hidrogénio por ano, principalmente para a síntese de amoníaco e para a refinação de petróleo. Representa cerca de 2% do consumo global de energia.

Propriedades

Tipo
Redox
Reversível
Sim
Energia
Endotérmico
ΔH
206,0 kJ/mol
Catalisador
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).