Catalytic and adsorption studies for the hydrogenation of CO sub(2) to methane

CO[sub 2] methanation has been evaluated as a means of storing intermittent renewable energy in the form of synthetic natural gas. A range of process parameters suitable for the target application have been investigated at 1 bar and H[sub 2]/CO[sub 2]=4 over a 10% Ruf/[gamma]- Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] catalyst. Thermodynamic equilibrium was reached at T[approximate280[degrees]C at a GHSV of 4720h[sup -1]. Cyclic and thermal stability tests specific to a renewable energy storage application have also been conducted. Excellent selectivity to methane and CO2 conversions under low space-velocity conditions were achieved at low hydrogenation temperatures. The use of monoliths demonstrates the possibility for new reactor designs using wash-coated heat exchangers to manage the exotherm and prevent deactivation due to high temperatures.