Methane Bi-reforming for direct ethanol production over Smart Cu/Mn- ferrite catalysts

Abstract The main goal of this research is direct synthesis of ethanol from methane bi-reforming reaction (H2O/CO2 methane reforming, SCMR) in a single step catalytic process. Smart nano-structured spinel ferrite catalysts with small ratio of Cu or Mn in composite with Fe cluster were prepared using ultrasonic assistance technique. Characterization data indicate the stability of the prepared ferrite structure during calcination step, so it can use for high temperature reaction. From XPS and Raman spectra, cupper ferrite shows deviation from ideal spinel structure, which increases the migration of bulk oxygen into surface to share in catalytic activity. The catalytic activity test was performed at moderate reaction condition (700 °C) using CO2 as soft oxidant to avoid methane combustion reaction and steam to release the alcoholic products. The two catalysts show unusual high catalytic activity and stability due to strong synergetic effect between metal and Fe. Cu–Fe gives high selectivity (∼50%) toward liquid product (ethanol), while Mn–Fe is more selective (∼70%) toward gas product (syngas). Furthermore, the chemical looping step is used to obtain ultra-stable SCMR reaction. The steam activation steps were performed for re-oxidation of reduced catalyst in addition to removal of carbon deposited.