Determination of reaction kinetics in three phase CO2 methanation

Abstract

In three phase CO₂ methanation, the hydrogenation of the liquid phase dibenzyl toluene (DBT) occurs as a side reaction in the liquid phase. Additionally, DBT decomposition leads to catalyst deactivation by carbon deposition on the catalytic surface. By analyzing the influence of catalyst deactivation on the reaction rates of CO₂ methanation and DBT hydrogenation, partial wetting of the catalyst particles is observed. The catalyst surface is not entirely covered by the liquid phase, instead small gas-filled pores remain, within which CO₂ methanation occurs in the gas phase. Reaction kinetics under steady state conditions at high reactor temperature is determined for CO₂ methanation.