Ru∕Ni–Mg–O Catalyzed SiC-Foam Absorber for Solar Reforming Receiver-Reactor

Abstract

High-temperature solar reforming of methane with CO2 is investigated using a directly solar-irradiated absorber subjected to a solar mean flux level above 400kWm−2 (the peak flux of about 700kWm−2). The new type of catalytically activated ceramic foam absorber—a Ru∕Ni–Mg–O catalyzed SiC-foam absorber—was prepared, and its activity was tested in a laboratory-scale volumetric receiver-reactor with a transparent (quartz) window by using a sun-simulator. Compared to conventional Rh∕Al2O3 catalyzed SiC-foam absorber, this new catalytic absorber is more cost effective and is found to exhibit a superior reaction performance at the high solar flux or at high temperatures, especially above 950°C. This new absorber will be applied in solar receiver-reactor systems for converting concentrated high solar fluxes to chemical fuels via endothermic natural-gas reforming at high temperatures.