Process intensification of microwave assisted methane dry reforming

Resource- and energy-efficient methane (CH4) transformation to fuels and chemicals is a research topic with societal, environmental and industrial relevance owing to the great variety of methane sources, including existing gas networks, small natural gas fields, shale gas, coal beds, agricultural biogas, deep-sea methane hydrates and the pressing issue of methane flaring in remote locations. In addition, CH4 and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the two greenhouse gases contributing majorly to global warming and their effect is expected to increase in years to come due to the continuously increasing energy demand worldwide. In this frame, CH4 reforming by CO2 (dry methane reforming) by means of different catalytic materials and technologies has been investigated over the years as a potential route for valorisation of the two molecules.