Reduction Kinetics of a High Load Cu-based Pellet Suitable for Ca/Cu Chemical Loops

A Cu-loaded pellet presenting 60 wt % Cu has been synthesized via impregnation of an alumina support. The base material shows a relatively low surface area and EDX analysis revealed that CuO is well-distributed across the particles. Cylindrical pellets have been produced from the original impregnated particles in order to reduce the typical pressure drop that would occur operating in fixed bed reactors in a novel Ca/Cu chemical looping system for hydrogen production and/or power generation. The materials have been characterized, and their reactivity with CH4, CO, and H2 was determined. Regardless of the gas used, a full reduction of CuO occurs and the oxygen transport capacity of the material is not affected by the number of cycles. The kinetic parameters for the reduction reactions of CuO in this material were calculated and are consistent with the data presented in the literature. A shrinking core model at particle level fit the experimental results available for the pellet.