Environmental impact of the energy industry to virtually all aspects of present society, especially for transportation and heating for both homes and for commercial activities. Natural gas is often described as the cleanest fossil fuel, producing less carbon dioxide per joule delivered than either coal or oil., and far fewer pollutants than other fossil fuels. However, in absolute terms it does contribute substantially to global carbon emissions, and this contribution is projected to grow. According to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, in 2004 natural gas produced about 5,300 Mt/yr of CO emissions, while coal and oil produced 10,600 and 10,200 respectively (Figure 4.4); but by 2030,
Carbon dioxide reforming Carbon dioxide reforming Carbon dioxide reformation (also known as dry reformation) is a method of producing synthesis gas (mixtures of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) from the reaction of carbon dioxide with hydrocarbons such as methane. Synthesis gas is conventionally produced via the steam reforming reaction. In recent years, increased concerns on the contribution of greenhouse gases to global warming have increased interest in the replacement of steam as reactant with carbon dioxide. The dry reforming reaction may be represented by: Thus, two greenhouse gases are consumed and useful chemical building blocks, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, are produced. A challenge to