Following a chemical looping approach, scientists from the Laboratory for Chemical Technology at Ghent University have pioneered the development of an intensified process for efficient CO2 conversion: Super-Dry Reforming (SDR).
Through a smart combination and integration of three existing industrial processes (CH4 dry reforming, CO2 capture by a sorbent and CO2 conversion over an oxygen carrier) the theoretically achievable capacity for CO2 conversion per mole of CH4 can be tripled compared to the conventional dry reforming process, making Super-Dry Reforming a true champion in CO2 conversion.
An additional advantage of the process is the use of earth abundant and cheap materials such as iron, calcium and nickel.
Carbon monoxide (CO), the output product, is a versatile building block already used today within the chemical and biotechnological industry. Next to the advantage of a lower H2 need for its conversion compared to CO2 conversion, the Super-Dry Reforming technology can thus readily tackle in into existing processes/sectors.
Currently, efforts are being devoted to the scaling-up of the technology from lab scale over pilot scale to industrial demonstration level.
More information: stijn.dekeukeleire@ugent.be
