Enhanced methane reforming activity of a hydrothermally synthesised co-doped perovskite catalyst

A catalyst for the direct reforming of methane and simulated biogas has been prepared using a green and low temperature hydrothermal method. The nickel and iron co-doped SrZrO3 perovskite shows catalytic activity comparable to 10% Ni/Al2O3, but with an almost 50% saving in nickel content and a significant reduction in unwanted carbon deposition through thermal decomposition of methane and the Boudouard reaction. The use of a catalyst with a low active metal content produced via a hydrothermal route provides an attractive and sustainable method of production of synthesis gas from both methane and biogas for potential use in solid oxide fuel cells

A nickel doped perovskite catalyst for reforming methane rich biogas with minimal carbon deposition

A novel nickel-doped strontium zirconate perovskite catalyst for biogas reforming has been synthesised using a green, low temperature hydrothermal synthesis. The catalyst has been shown to be very efficient towards the conversion of methane-rich biogas at relatively low temperatures with high selectivity towards synthesis gas formation and extremely good resistance to carbon deposition in carbon-rich reaction mixtures. The catalyst displays very low carbon deposition which does not increase over time, and as a result shows excellent stability. The use of a catalyst produced by a low temperature hydrothermal route provides a potentially very attractive and sustainable source of useful chemicals from biogas that otherwise might be vented wastefully and detrimentally into the atmosphere

Lessons from co-development of a Single Vessel Processor: methodologies for managing innovation in customer-supplier networks

This article reports on the development of practical methodologies for managers seeking to deal with pre-competitive co-development of process technology, in networks that bring together customers and suppliers. Eschewing the simplistic notion of a simple linear supply ''chain'', the research focuses on the case of a supply network comprising five firms and a university, examining the ways in which technological innovation was managed within it. Action research was employed to develop two novel applications of theories and practices, operationalising innovation theories and the techniques of sociometry. Finally, we discuss the implications for supply chain managers working in networks