Tri-reforming of methane for the production of syngas: Review on the process, catalysts and kinetic mechanism

The reforming of methane is considered as one of the industrially important process for decades, as the process converts natural gas to valuable syngas (a mixture of H2 and CO). There are three major reforming processes, which are classified based on the energetics of the process and type of reforming agent. Catalytic steam reforming (endothermic reaction), partial oxidation (exothermic reaction) and autothermal reforming (combined exothermic and endothermic reactions) of methane are commercially available processes for syngas production. Carbon dioxide /dry reforming (endothermic reaction) is another alternative process that has received significant attention in recent years, which demonstrates the environmental benefit. However, due to their several limitations / drawbacks, a significant number of research activities are underway to explore more feasible process with consideration of techno-economic and environmental aspects. Recently, tri-reforming of methane received a lot of attention and this process are considered as an effective conversion and use of carbon dioxide in flue gas from power plants, called tri-reforming. Tri-reforming of methane (TRM) is a combination of steam, dry and partial oxidation of methane (CH4+O2+ CO2+ H2O) which holds the main advantages and disadvantages of all processes to some extent. This is a first comprehensive review of the reports which have been published or patented on the development of tri-reforming of methane.