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Beyond equilibrium shift: Unveiling the kinetic promotion in a methanol steam reforming membrane reactor.

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Title: Beyond equilibrium shift: Unveiling the kinetic promotion in a methanol steam reforming membrane reactor.
Authors: Gu, Haoyuan1 (AUTHOR), Wang, Lisha1 (AUTHOR), Lei, Linfeng1,2 (AUTHOR) linfeng.lei@ecust.edu.cn, Zhu, Minghui1 (AUTHOR) minghuizhu@ecust.edu.cn, Xu, Zhi1 (AUTHOR) zhixu@ecust.edu.cn
Source: AIChE Journal. May2026, Vol. 72 Issue 5, p1-9. 9p.
Subjects: Membrane reactors, Chemical kinetics, Methoxy compounds, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Catalysts, Liquid membranes
Abstract: Membrane reactors (MRs) are widely recognized for enhancing thermodynamically limited reactions by continuously removing a product. However, how such in situ selective separation directly impacts intrinsic reaction kinetics and mechanisms has remained ambiguous and lacks direct spectroscopic evidence. Here, we address this fundamental question using a MR integrating a commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst with carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes for methanol steam reforming. The CMS membrane‐based MR exhibits a remarkable one‐fold enhancement in methanol conversion over a conventional reactor at 180°C, while simultaneously reducing CO selectivity by 61.3%. Crucially, in situ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy provides direct evidence that this enhancement stems from a profound kinetic acceleration of the rate‐determining methoxy dehydrogenation step. This acceleration is driven by efficient removal of H2, which alleviates product inhibition on the catalyst's active sites. This work elucidates a powerful kinetic promotion mechanism, shifting the paradigm of membrane catalysis beyond its thermodynamic role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Membrane reactors (MRs) are widely recognized for enhancing thermodynamically limited reactions by continuously removing a product. However, how such in situ selective separation directly impacts intrinsic reaction kinetics and mechanisms has remained ambiguous and lacks direct spectroscopic evidence. Here, we address this fundamental question using a MR integrating a commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst with carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes for methanol steam reforming. The CMS membrane‐based MR exhibits a remarkable one‐fold enhancement in methanol conversion over a conventional reactor at 180°C, while simultaneously reducing CO selectivity by 61.3%. Crucially, in situ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy provides direct evidence that this enhancement stems from a profound kinetic acceleration of the rate‐determining methoxy dehydrogenation step. This acceleration is driven by efficient removal of H2, which alleviates product inhibition on the catalyst's active sites. This work elucidates a powerful kinetic promotion mechanism, shifting the paradigm of membrane catalysis beyond its thermodynamic role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00011541
DOI:10.1002/aic.70257