Guefoams (guest-containing foams) as novel heterogeneous catalysts: preparation, characterization and proof-of-concept testing for CO2 methanation

The preparation and use of Guefoams as heterogeneous catalyst is reported. Guefoam consists an open-pore Al-Si foam that accommodates a freely mobile guest phase (Ni/CeO2/Al2O3 particles) in its cavities, with neither physical nor chemical matrix-guest bond. A eutectic Al-12Si alloy was used low-melting matrix precursor to prevent thermal sintering the active during liquid metal infiltration. CO2 methanation chosen reaction test. activity CH4 selectivity (close 100%) achieved were similar those obtained packed bed same particles, but advantages structured reactor such robustness ease handling. conductivity significantly improved regard which reduces temperature gradients catalytic reactor, demonstrated by computational fluid dynamic modelling. Since permeability 2.7 times bed, pressure drop caused passage through novel material reduced, resulting higher performance index than bed.