Study of the performance of Mo2C for iso-octane steam reforming

In the present work, the performance of commercial molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) for isooctane steam reforming has been investigated in order to determine the effects of major operating parameters (temperature, space velocity, and steam to carbon ratio) on the catalytic activity. While the results obtained indicate an onset reforming temperature of 850 °C, high concentrations of H2 in the reforming environment were found to reduce the onset temperature to 750 °C. The catalytic activity at 850 °C was sufficient to produce hydrogen yields greater than 90% and carbon conversions close to 100%, with a low selectivity to CH4 and CO2. In addition, and consistent with thermodynamic predictions, a steam to carbon ratio of 1 appeared to optimize the reforming rates. Finally, based on experimental observations, a reaction mechanism was formulated and used to interpret the results obtained during catalytic activity measurements. This mechanism involves continuous oxidation and reduction of Mo metal, which can provide activity and stability to the catalyst when occurring at similar rates.