CO2, NOx and SO2 emissions from the combustion of coal with high oxygen concentration gases

The emissions of CO₂, NO_x and SO₂ from the combustion of a high-volatile coal with N₂- and CO₂-based, high O₂ concentration (20, 50, 80, 100%) inlet gases were investigated in an electrically heated up-flow-tube furnace at elevated gas temperatures (1123–1573 K). The fuel equivalence ratio, φ, was varied in the range of 0.4–1.6. Results showed that CO₂ concentrations in flue gas were higher than 95% for the processes with O₂ and CO₂-based inlet gases. NO_x emissions increased with φ under fuel-lean conditions, then declined dramatically after φ=0.8, and the peak values increased from about 1000 ppm for the air combustion process and 500 ppm for the O₂(20%)+CO₂(80%) inlet gas process to about 4500 ppm for the oxygen combustion process. When φ>1.4 the emissions decreased to the same level for different O₂ concentration inlet gas processes. On the other hand, NO_x emission indexes decreased monotonically with φ under both fuel-lean and fuel-rich combustion. SO₂ emissions increased with φ under fuel-lean conditions, then declined slightly after φ>1.2. Temperature has a large effect on the NO_x emission. Peak values of the NO_x emission increased by 50–70% for the N₂-based inlet gas processes and by 30–50% for the CO₂-based inlet gas process from 1123 to 1573 K. However, there was only a small effect of temperature on the SO₂ emission.     

Impact of support oxide and Ba loading on the NOx storage properties of Pt/Ba/support catalysts: CO2 and H2O effects

A series of 1 wt.%Pt/_xBa/Support (Support = Al₂O₃, SiO₂, Al₂O₃-5.5 wt.%SiO₂ and Ce_0.7Zr_0.3O₂, x = 5–30 wt.% BaO) catalysts was investigated regarding the influence of the support oxide on Ba properties for the rapid NO_x trapping (100 s). Catalysts were treated at 700 °C under wet oxidizing atmosphere. The nature of the support oxide and the Ba loading influenced the Pt–Ba proximity, the Ba dispersion and then the surface basicity of the catalysts estimated by CO₂-TPD. At high temperature (400 °C) in the absence of CO₂ and H₂O, the NO_x storage capacity increased with the catalyst basicity: Pt/20Ba/Si < Pt/20Ba/Al5.5Si < Pt/10Ba/Al < Pt/5Ba/CeZr < Pt/30Ba/Al5.5Si < Pt/20Ba/Al < Pt/10BaCeZr. Addition of CO₂ decreased catalyst performances. The inhibiting effect of CO₂ on the NO_x uptake increased generally with both the catalyst basicity and the storage temperature. Water negatively affected the NO_x storage capacity, this effect being higher on alumina containing catalysts than on ceria–zirconia samples. When both CO₂ and H₂O were present in the inlet gas, a cumulative effect was observed at low temperatures (200 °C and 300 °C) whereas mainly CO₂ was responsible for the loss of NO_x storage capacity at 400 °C. Finally, under realistic conditions (H₂O and CO₂) the Pt/20Ba/Al5.5Si catalyst showed the best performances for the rapid NO_x uptake in the 200–400 °C temperature range. It resulted mainly from: (i) enhanced dispersions of platinum and barium on the alumina–silica support, (ii) a high Pt–Ba proximity and (iii) a low basicity of the catalyst which limits the CO₂ competition for the storage sites.     

Role of CeO2 in Ni/CeO2–Al2O3 catalysts for carbon dioxide reforming of methane

Ni catalysts supported on γ-Al₂O₃, CeO₂ and CeO₂–Al₂O₃ systems were tested for catalytic CO₂ reforming of methane into synthesis gas. Ni/CeO₂–Al₂O₃ catalysts showed much better catalytic performance than either CeO₂- or γ-Al₂O₃-supported Ni catalysts. CeO₂ as a support for Ni catalysts produced a strong metal–support interaction (SMSI), which reduced the catalytic activity and carbon deposition. However, CeO₂ had positive effect on catalytic activity, stability, and carbon suppression when used as a promoter in Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts for this reaction. A weight loading of 1–5 wt% CeO₂ was found to be the optimum. Ni catalysts with CeO₂ promoters reduced the chemical interaction between nickel and support, resulting in an increase in reducibility and stronger dispersion of nickel. The stability and less coking on CeO₂-promoted catalysts are attributed to the oxidative properties of CeO₂.     

Phenol oxidation over CuO/Al2O3 in supercritical water

Phenol was oxidized in supercritical water at 380–450°C and 219–300 atm, using CuO/Al₂O₃ as a catalyst in a packed-bed flow reactor. The CuO catalyst has the desired effects of accelerating the phenol disappearance and CO₂ formation rates relative to non-catalytic supercritical water oxidation (SCWO). It also simultaneously reduced the yield of undesired phenol dimers at a given phenol conversion. The rates of phenol disappearance and CO₂ formation are sensitive to the phenol and O₂ concentrations, but insensitive to the water density. A dual-site Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson rate law used previously for catalytic SCWO of phenol over other transition metal oxides and the Mars–van Krevelen rate law can correlate the catalytic kinetics for phenol disappearance over CuO. The supported CuO catalyst exhibited a higher activity, on a mass of catalyst basis, for phenol disappearance and CO₂ formation than did bulk MnO₂ or bulk TiO₂. The CuO catalyst had the lowest activity, however, when expressed on the basis of fresh catalyst surface area. The CuO catalyst exhibited some initial deactivation, but otherwise maintained its activity throughout 100 h of continuous use. Both Cu and Al were detected in the reactor effluent, however, which indicates the dissolution or erosion of the catalyst at reaction conditions.     

Quantification of the in situ DRIFT spectra of Pt/K/γ-A12O3 NOx adsorber catalysts

A method to quantify DRIFT spectral features associated with the in situ adsorption of gases on a NO_x adsorber catalyst, Pt/K/Al₂O₃, is described. To implement this method, the multicomponent catalyst is analysed with DRIFT and chemisorption to determine that under operating conditions the surface comprised a Pt phase, a pure γ-Al₂O₃ phase with associated hydroxyl groups at the surface, and an alkalized-Al₂O₃ phase where the surface –OH groups are replaced by –OK groups. Both DRIFTS and chemisorption experiments show that 93–97% of the potassium exists in this form. The phases have a fractional surface area of 1.1% for the 1.7 nm-sized Pt, 34% for pure Al₂O₃ and 65% for the alkalized-Al₂O₃. NO₂ and CO₂ chemisorption at 250 °C is implemented to determine the saturation uptake value, which is observed with DRIFTS at 250 °C. Pt/Al₂O₃ adsorbs 0.087 μmol CO₂/m²and 2.0 μmol NO₂/m², and Pt/K/Al₂O₃ adsorbs 2.0 μmol CO₂/m²and 6.4 μmol NO₂/m². This method can be implemented to quantitatively monitor the formation of carboxylates and nitrates on Pt/K/Al₂O₃ during both lean and rich periods of the NO_x adsorber catalyst cycle.     

Tri-reforming of methane: a novel concept for catalytic production of industrially useful synthesis gas with desired H2/CO ratios

A novel process concept called tri-reforming of methane has been proposed in our laboratory using CO₂ in the flue gases from fossil fuel-based power plants without CO₂ separation [C. Song, Chemical Innovation 31 (2001) 21–26]. The proposed tri-reforming process is a synergetic combination of CO₂ reforming, steam reforming, and partial oxidation of methane in a single reactor for effective production of industrially useful synthesis gas (syngas). Both experimental testing and computational analysis show that tri-reforming can not only produce synthesis gas (CO + H₂) with desired H₂/CO ratios (1.5–2.0), but also could eliminate carbon formation which is usually a serious problem in the CO₂ reforming of methane. These two advantages have been demonstrated by tri-reforming of CH₄ in a fixed-bed flow reactor at 850 °C with supported nickel catalysts. Over 95% CH₄ conversion and about 80% CO₂ conversion can be achieved in tri-reforming over Ni catalysts supported on an oxide substrate. The type and nature of catalysts have a significant impact on CO₂ conversion in the presence of H₂O and O₂ in tri-reforming in the temperature range of 700–850 °C. Among all the catalysts tested for tri-reforming, their ability to enhance the conversion of CO₂ follows the order of Ni/MgO > Ni/MgO/CeZrO > Ni/CeO₂ ≈ Ni/ZrO₂ ≈ Ni/Al₂O₃ > Ni/CeZrO. The higher CO₂ conversion over Ni/MgO and Ni/MgO/CeZrO in tri-reforming may be related to the interaction of CO₂ with MgO and more interface between Ni and MgO resulting from the formation of NiO/MgO solid solution. Results of catalytic performance tests over Ni/MgO/CeZrO catalysts at 850 °C and 1 atm with different feed compositions confirm the predicted equilibrium conversions based on the thermodynamic analysis for tri-reforming of methane. Kinetics of tri-reforming were also examined. The reaction orders with respect to partial pressures of CO₂ and H₂O are different over Ni/MgO, Ni/MgO/CeZrO, and Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts for tri-reforming.     

Quantified NOx adsorption on Pt/K/gamma-Al2O3 and the effects of CO2 and H2O

A multi-component NO_x-trap catalyst consisting of Pt and K supported on γ-Al₂O₃ was studied at 250 °C to determine the roles of the individual catalyst components, to identify the adsorbing species during the lean capture cycle, and to assess the effects of H₂O and CO₂ on NO_x storage. The Al₂O₃ support was shown to have NO_x trapping capability with and without Pt present (at 250 °C Pt/Al₂O₃ adsorbs 2.3 μmols NO_x/m²). NO_x is primarily trapped on Al₂O₃ in the form of nitrates with monodentate, chelating and bridged forms apparent in Diffuse Reflectance mid-Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) analysis. The addition of K to the catalyst increases the adsorption capacity to 6.2 μmols NO_x/m², and the primary storage form on K is a free nitrate ion. Quantitative DRIFTS analysis shows that 12% of the nitrates on a Pt/K/Al₂O₃ catalyst are coordinated on the Al₂O₃ support at saturation.

When 5% CO₂ was included in a feed stream with 300 ppm NO and 12% O₂, the amount of K-based nitrate storage decreased by 45% after 1 h on stream due to the competition of adsorbed free nitrates with carboxylates for adsorption sites. When 5% H₂O was included in a feed stream with 300 ppm NO and 12% O₂, the amount of K-based nitrate storage decreased by only 16% after 1 h, but the Al₂O₃-based nitrates decreased by 92%. Interestingly, with both 5% CO₂ and 5% H₂O in the feed, the total storage only decreased by 11%, as the hydroxyl groups generated on Al₂O₃ destabilized the K–CO₂ bond; specifically, H₂O mitigates the NO_x storage capacity losses associated with carboxylate competition.     

Cooperative action of cobalt and MgO for the catalysed reforming of CH4 with CO2

The reforming of CH₄ with CO₂ over activated carbon- or silica-supported cobalt catalysts with and without added MgO as promoter has been studied over a range of temperatures (500–700°C). A significant effect of the MgO on catalyst efficiency was observed. The presence of MgO markedly reduces the carbon deposition on the surface of the catalyst and therefore, contributes to the stability of the catalyst. Based on temperature-programmed surface reaction experiments of chemisorbed CO₂, the role of MgO may be ascribed to the formation of strongly adsorbed CO₂ species over its surface. These CO₂ species can easily react with the surface carbon deposits under CO₂-reforming reaction conditions, preventing in this way catalyst deactivation.     

Decomposition of nitric oxide over perovskite oxide catalysts: effect of CO2, H2O and CH4

Direct nitric oxide decomposition over perovskites is fairly slow and complex, its mechanism changing dramatically with temperature. Previous kinetic study for three representative compositions (La_0.87Sr_0.13Mn_0.2Ni_0.8O_3−δ, La_0.66Sr_0.34Ni_0.3Co_0.7O_3−δ and La_0.8Sr_0.2Cu_0.15Fe_0.85O_3−δ) has shown that depending on the temperature range, the inhibition effect of oxygen either increases or decreases with temperature. This paper deals with the effect of CO₂, H₂O and CH₄ on the nitric oxide decomposition over the same perovskites studied at a steady-state in a plug-flow reactor with 1 g catalyst and total flowrates of 50 or 100 ml/min of 2 or 5% NO. The effect of carbon dioxide (0.5–10%) was evaluated between 873 and 923 K, whereas that of H₂O vapor (1.6 or 2.5%) from 723 to 923 K. Both CO₂ and H₂O inhibit the NO decomposition, but inhibition by CO₂ is considerably stronger. For all three catalysts, these effects increase with temperature. Kinetic parameters for the inhibiting effects of CO₂ and H₂O over the three perovskites were determined. Addition of methane to the feed (NO/CH₄=4) increases conversion of NO to N₂ about two to four times, depending on the initial NO concentration and on temperature. This, however, is still much too low for practical applications. Furthermore, the rates of methane oxidation by nitric oxide over perovskites are substantially slower than those of methane oxidation by oxygen. Thus, perovskites do not seem to be suitable for catalytic selective NO reduction with methane.     

Partial oxidation of propane in compressed carbon dioxide using CoOx/SiO2 catalysts

The application of compressed carbon dioxide as an alternative reaction medium was investigated for the heterogeneously catalysed partial oxidation of propane. The catalytic tests were performed in a stirred batch as well as in a continuous flow reactor at 553–623 K, 2.6–11.3 MPa and a CO₂:synthetic air:propane molar ratio of 94–124:4–7:1 using precipitated CoO_x/SiO₂ (2.4–3.7 wt.% Co) catalysts. In addition, the critical temperature and pressure of the reaction mixture were determined by the opalescence method in a high-pressure optical cell. The catalytic experiments revealed a significantly higher cumulative oxygenate selectivity (i.e. acetic acid, methanol, acrolein, acetone) with increasing pressure. It is supposed that the formed oxygenates were removed more easily from the catalyst surface without being totally oxidised due to the higher solvent power of the dense CO₂ in the supercritical phase.     

Re-investigating the CO oxidation mechanism over unsupported MnO, Mn2O3 and MnO2 catalysts

Kinetic study of CO oxidation in combination with experiments of temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) and reduction (TPR) have been performed on various unsupported crystalline manganese oxides (MnO_x); while the reactivity shows an order of MnO ≤ MnO₂ < Mn₂O₃ in a mixture of unit ratio of O₂/CO at/below 523 K. We propose that under the current conditions the interaction of adsorbed CO and O is mainly responsible for CO₂ formation on Mn₂O₃ and MnO₂ catalysts, following either the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism or Eley–Rideal mechanism. Meanwhile, direct evidence from transient CO oxidation suggests that the Mars-van-Krevelen mechanism may occur for all catalysts simultaneously, especially, it is predominant for the MnO catalyst. The evidence of structural modifications during reaction was confirmed by Raman spectra obtained from used MnO.     

Alkali and alkaline-earth cation exchanged chabazite zeolites for adsorption based CO2 capture

In this study chabazite zeolites were prepared and exchanged with alkali cations – Li, Na, K and alkaline-earth cations – Mg, Ca, Ba and were studied to assess their potential for CO₂ capture from flue gas by vacuum swing adsorption for temperatures below 120 °C. Isotherm measurements (CO₂ and N₂) were made for all samples at 273 K, 303 K and 333 K using a volumetric apparatus and represented with the Dual-site Langmuir model for CO₂ and N₂. Henry’s constants and isosteric heats of adsorption were calculated and qualitative analyses performed for all samples. Adiabatic separation factor (ASF) and capture figure of merit (CFM) were proposed and used as indices for assessing adsorbent performance and compared with a commercial NaX-zeolite sample. It was found that NaCHA and CaCHA hold comparative advantages for high temperature CO₂ separation whilst NaX shows superior performance at relatively low temperatures.     

Kinetics of CO and H2 oxidation over CuO-CeO2 catalyst in H2 mixtures with CO2 and H2O

The kinetics of CO and H₂ oxidation over a CuO-CeO₂ catalyst were simultaneously investigated under reaction conditions of preferential CO oxidation (PROX) in hydrogen-rich mixtures with CO₂ and H₂O. An integral packed-bed tubular reactor was used to produce kinetic data for power-law kinetics for both CO and H₂ oxidations. The experimental results showed that the CO oxidation rate was essentially independent of H₂ and O₂ concentrations, while the H₂ oxidation rate was practically independent of CO and O₂ concentrations. In the CO oxidation, the reaction orders were 0.91, −0.37 and −0.62 with respect to the partial pressure of CO, CO₂ and H₂O, respectively. In the H₂ oxidation, the orders were 1.0, −0.48 and −0.69 with respect to the partial pressure of H₂, CO₂ and H₂O, respectively. The activation energies of the CO oxidation and the H₂ oxidation were 94.4 and 142 kJ/mol, respectively. The rate expressions of both oxidations were able to predict the performance of the PROX reactor with accuracy. The independence between the CO and the H₂ oxidation suggested different sites for CO and H₂ adsorption on the CuO-CeO₂ catalyst. Based on the results, we proposed a new reaction model for the preferential CO oxidation. The model assumes that CO adsorbs selectively on the Cu⁺ sites; H₂ dissociates and adsorbs on the Cu⁰ sites; the adsorbed species migrates to the interface between the copper components and the ceria support, and reacts there with the oxygen supplied by the ceria support; and the oxygen deficiency on the support is replenished by the oxygen in the reaction mixture.     

Microstructure, kinetics and mechanisms of CO2 catalytic decomposition over freshly reduced nano-crystallite CuFe2O4 at 400–600 °C

The decomposition of CO₂ was investigated as a process of both industrial and environmental importance. Copper ferrite was obtained by the thermal decomposition of acetate precursors. CuFe₂O₄ were isothermally reduced in H₂ flow at 400–600 °C, the isothermal reduction profiles obtained in this study show that a topochemical mode of reduction is done by which the reduction process proceeds. The nano-wires metallic phase of iron (106 nm) and copper (56 nm), produced from the complete reduction of CuFe₂O₄, were subjected to the direct reoxidation in CO₂ flow at 400–600 °C. The reoxidation process was found to be controlled by both the reduction and reoxidation temperatures. CO₂ decomposes to carbon nano-tubes during the reoxidation of the freshly reduced CuFe₂O₄. The prepared, completely reduced and reoxidized CuFe₂O₄ compacts, were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and reflected light microscope. For the reoxidation process, it is found that at the initial stages the reaction is controlled by the interfacial chemical reaction mechanism with some contribution to the gaseous diffusion mechanism. On the other hand at the intermediate and final stages the mechanism by which the reoxidation process proceeds was found to be the solid-state diffusion.     

SAPO-34 membranes for CO2/CH4 separations: Effect of Si/Al ratio

Silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) membranes with Si/Al gel ratios from 0.05 to 0.3 were synthesized by in situ crystallization onto porous, tubular stainless steel support. Pure SAPO-34 membranes were obtained when the Si/Al ratio was 0.15 or higher. The adsorbate polarizability correlated with the adsorption capacity on SAPO-34, and the amounts of gases adsorbed were in the order: CO₂ > CH₄ > N₂ > H₂. The Si/Al ratio did not affect the pore volume significantly, but it changed the CO₂ and CH₄ adsorption equilibrium constants. The SAPO-34 membranes effectively separated CO₂ from CH₄ for feed pressures up to 7 MPa. At 295 K, for a pressure drop of 138 kPa and a 50/50 feed, the CO₂/CH₄ selectivity was 170 for a membrane with a Si/Al gel ratio of 0.15. At 7 MPa, the CO₂/CH₄ selectivity was 100 and the CO₂ permeance was 4 × 10⁻⁸ mol/(m² · s · Pa) at 295 K. This membrane was also separated CO₂/N₂ (selectivity = 21) and H₂/CH₄ (selectivity = 32) mixtures at 295 K and a pressure drop of 138 kPa. Competitive adsorption and difference in diffusivities are responsible for CO₂/CH₄ and CO₂/N₂ separations, whereas the H₂/CH₄ separation was due to diffusivity differences. For a membrane with Si/Al gel ratio of 0.1, a mixture of SAPO-34 and SAPO-5 formed, and the CO₂/CH₄ selectivity was lower.     

Photocatalytic conversion of CH4 and CO2 to oxygenated compounds over Cu/CdS–TiO2/SiO2 catalyst

Coupled semiconductor (CS) Cu/CdS–TiO₂/SiO₂ photocatalyst was prepared using a mutli-step impregnation method. Its optical property was characterized by UV–vis spectra. BET, XRD, Raman and IR were used to study the structure of the photocatalyst. Fine CdS was found dispersed over the surface of anatase TiO₂/SiO₂ substrate. Chemisorption and IR analysis showed methane absorbed in the molecular state interacted weakly with the surface of catalyst, and the interaction of CO₂ with CS produced various forms of absorbed CO₂ species that were primarily present in the form of formate, bidentate and linear absorption species. Photocatalytic direct conversion of CH₄ and CO₂ was performed under the operation conditions: 373 K, 1:1 of CO₂/CH₄, 1 atm, space velocity of 200 h⁻¹ and UV intensity of 20.0 mW/cm². The conversion was 1.47% for CH₄ and 0.74% for CO₂ with a selectivity of acetone up to 92.3%. The reaction mechanisms were proposed based on the experimental observations.     

Partial oxidation of ethanol on Ru/Y2O3 and Pd/Y2O3 catalysts for hydrogen production

The partial oxidation of ethanol was investigated over Ru and Pd catalysts supported onto yttria over a wide range of temperatures (473–1073 K). The product distributions obtained over these catalytic systems were correlated with diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy analyses (DRIFTS). Results showed that reaction route depended strongly on the type of metal. The decomposition of ethoxy species to CH₄ and CO or oxidation to CO₂ was promoted by Pd, and the acetaldehyde desorption was predominant over Ru in the low temperature region. Furthermore, the acetate and carbonate formation prevailed over Pd, which explained the lower acetaldehyde selectivity. The presence of CH₄ and CO₂ at high temperature is assigned to the decomposition of acetate species via carbonates over Pd-based catalysts. Ru was more suitable system for H₂ production than Pd by achieving a selectivity of about 59%.     

Influence of CO2 and H2O on NOx storage and reduction on a Pt–Ba/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

In this paper, the effect of CO₂ and H₂O on NO_x storage and reduction over a Pt–Ba/γ-Al₂O₃ (1 wt.% Pt and 30 wt.% Ba) catalyst is shown. The experimental results reveal that in the presence of CO₂ and H₂O, NO_x is stored on BaCO₃ sites only. Moreover, H₂O inhibits the NO oxidation capability of the catalyst and no NO₂ formation is observed. Only 16% of the total barium is utilized in NO storage. The rich phase shows 95% selectivity towards N₂ as well as complete regeneration of stored NO. In the presence of CO₂, NO is oxidized into NO₂ and more NO_x is stored as in the presence of H₂O, resulting in 30% barium utilization. Bulk barium sites are inactive in NO_x trapping in the presence of CO₂·NH₃ formation is seen in the rich phase and the selectivity towards N₂ is 83%. Ba(NO₃)₂ is always completely regenerated during the subsequent rich phase. In the absence of CO₂ and H₂O, both surface and bulk barium sites are active in NO_x storage. As lean/rich cycling proceeds, the selectivity towards N₂ in the rich phase decreases from 82% to 47% and the N balance for successive lean/rich cycles shows incomplete regeneration of the catalyst. This incomplete regeneration along with a 40% decrease in the Pt dispersion and BET surface area, explains the observed decrease in NO_x storage.     

Characterization and reactivity of pure TiO2–SO4 SCR catalyst: influence of SO4 content

The kinetics of the reaction of NO, N₂O and CO₂ with activated carbon without catalyst and impregnated with a precursor salt of vanadium (ammonium monovanadate) was investigated. The conversion of NO, N₂O and CO₂ was studied (450–900°C) using a TGA apparatus and a fixed bed reactor. The reactor effluents were analysed using a GC/MS on line. The addition of vanadium increased carbon reactivity and adsorption at lower temperatures. For NO and N₂O conversion the main products obtained were N₂, N₂O, CO and CO₂ but for CO₂ conversion only CO was detected. In situ XRD was a useful tool for interpreting catalyst behaviour and identifying phases present during reaction conditions. The catalytic effect of vanadium can be explained by the occurrence of redox processes in which the catalyst is reduced to lower oxidation states such as V₂O₅/V₆O₁₃.     

Study of mixed steam and CO2 reforming of CH4 to syngas on MgO-supported metals

The activity of mixed steam and CO₂ reforming of CH₄ to produce synthesis gas was investigated and compared with those of steam reforming alone and CO₂ reforming alone at 600–900°C under atmosphere pressure on MgO-supported noble metals. Mixed reforming shows a far lower CH₄ conversion than the value for thermodynamic equilibrium. The activity decreases following the order Ru,Rh> Ir> Pt,Pd. Little deactivation was observed for Ru, Rh and Ir catalysts. An isotope labelled ¹³CO₂ experiment was carried out in situ for mixed reforming on Rh/MgO and the results suggest that CO₂ dissociates as CO-M and O-M. The results of the temperature program reaction (TPR) of mixed reforming shows that CH₄ adsorbs and dissociates before reaction starts and that CO₂ reforming and steam reforming start simultaneously. A possible reaction mechanism is discussed.