Catalytic reactor for the conversion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen to syngas

The present invention is generally directed to a reactor for the production of low-carbon syngas from captured carbon dioxide and renewable hydrogen. The hydrogen is generated from water using an electrolyzer powered by renewable electricity or from any other method of low-carbon hydrogen production. The improved catalytic reactor is energy efficient and robust when operating at temperatures up to 1800° F. Carbon dioxide conversion efficiencies are greater than 75% with carbon monoxide selectivity of greater than 98%. The catalytic reactor is constructed of materials that are physically and chemically robust up to 1800° F. As a result, these materials are not reactive with the mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide or the carbon monoxide and steam products. The reactor materials do not have catalytic activity or modify the physical and chemical composition of the conversion catalyst.