Graphite Felt-Sandwiched Ni/SiC Catalysts for the Induction Versus Joule-Heated Sabatier Reaction: Assessing the Catalyst Temperature at the Nanoscale

The paper describes a series of graphite felt-sandwiched kNi/SiC composites at variable metal loading (k = 10, 15, and 20 wt %) their application as catalysts for the CO2 methanation process (Sabatier reaction) under two distinct conceptually different heating setups: Joule versus induction (IH). A comparative analysis carried out on all from this operated configurations has unveiled superior performance radiofrequency (RF)-heated (IH) in process. Most importantly, it offered practical tool to map gap existing between macroscopic temperature value measured catalyst bed using remote-sensing thermometer (pyrometer) that (real) excited nano-objects (Ni NPs) directly engaged RF-heated catalytic Besides evident advantages IH technology applied terms rates (λ) already nominally low reaction temperatures, virtual absence any thermal inertia subsequent fast modulation demonstrate unique features safety (cold-reactor walls) reduction energy wastes (neither pre- postcatalyst reagents products nor whole reactor volume its peripheral walls).