Solar $CO_2$ Reforming of Methane Using $Ni/{\gamma}-Al_2O_3/Metallic$ foam device

$Ni/{\gamma}-Al_2O_3/Metallic$ device를 이용한 고온 태양열 메탄-이산화탄소 개질반응

Solar reforming of methane with $CO_2$ was successfully tested with a direct irradiated absorber on a parabolic dish capable of $5kW_{th}$ solar power. The new type of catalytically activated metallic foam absorber was prepared, and its activity was tested. Ni was applied as the active metal on the gamma - alumina coated Ni metal foam for the preparation of the catalytically-activated metal foam layer. Compared to conventional direct irradiation of the catalytically-activated ceramic foam absorber, this new metallic foam absorber is found to exhibit a superior reaction performance at the relatively low insolation or at low temperatures. In addition, unlike direct irradiation of the catalytically-activated ceramic foam absorber, metallic foam absorber has better thermal resistance, which prevents the emergence of cracks caused by mechanical or thermal shock. The total solar power absorbed reached up to 2.1kW and the maximum $CH_4$ conversion was almost 40%.