Martinello Savi B., Fernandes Silvano W., da Silva L., Bernardin A.M.
University of the Extreme South of Santa Catarina, BR
Keywords: alkali oxides, aluminosilicate, catalyst, ceramic reformer, fuel cells
This work deals with the initial development of a ceramic reformer based on alkali metal aluminosilicates coated with nickel for the generation of hydrogen from biogas (methane). The understanding of the microstructural evolution of silicon-aluminum ceramics with the addition of alkaline oxides and its correlation with the resulting physical-mechanical properties can reduce the time and temperature for the sintering of the ceramic reformer. The catalysts were prepared by sintering the aluminosilicate (Al2O3.SiO2) system with alkaline oxides. Samples of silica, alumina and sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium oxides (45μm) were used. The samples were added to silica in fractions of 10%wt according to a fractionated factorial design 2(5-2), and mixed and homogenized in a laboratory eccentric mill (alumina grinders, 5min). The formulations were dried (110°C, 24h) and then analyzed by optical dilatometry (10°C/min). It is clearly perceived the influence of sodium and potassium oxides in the sintering temperatures and rates, with significant reduction of the temperature of initiation of sintering. It is possible to correlate the content of each oxide with the maximum rate of sintering, enabling to optimize the systems from the results of the factorial design.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2010 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 147 - 150
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Biofuels & Bioproducts
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3419-0