Co-generation of C2 hydrocarbons and synthesis gases from methane and carbon dioxide: a thermodynamic analysis

Abstract

Thermodynamic chemical equilibrium analysis using the method of direct minimization of Gibbs free energy for all possible CH4 and CO2 reactions was carried out. The effects of CO2/CH4 feed ratio, reaction temperature, and system pressure on equilibrium composition, conversion, selectivity, and yield were studied. The CO2/CH4 feed ratio, reaction temperature, and system pressure gave significant effect on the equilibrium composition, equilibrium conversion, selectivity, and yield. CO2 OCM reaction was less favorable. However, the performance of the CO2 OCM reaction might be more favorable, but not impressive in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The range of operating conditions at equilibrium for the CH4 and CO2 reactions at which no carbon was formed could be recommended. No carbon formation region was at > 1000 K and CO2/CH4 ratio larger than 1:1.