Vesihöyryreaktio

Vesihöyryreaktio, also known as the steam-carbon reaction or water-gas reaction, is a chemical process that occurs when steam reacts with carbon. The overall reaction can be represented by the equation C(s) + H2O(g) <=> CO(g) + H2(g). This reaction is endothermic, meaning it requires energy to proceed, and is typically carried out at high temperatures, often above 800 degrees Celsius.

The primary products of the vesihöyryreaktio are carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen gas (H2). This mixture of gases is commonly referred to as synthesis gas or syngas. Syngas is a valuable intermediate in the chemical industry, serving as a feedstock for the production of various chemicals, including methanol and ammonia, and can also be used as a fuel.

In practice, the vesihöyryreaktio is often carried out in specialized reactors, such as fixed-bed or fluidized-bed reactors. The efficiency of the reaction is influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts. While the direct reaction between carbon and steam produces syngas, further reactions can occur, such as the water-gas shift reaction (CO(g) + H2O(g) <=> CO2(g) + H2(g)), which can increase the hydrogen yield and reduce carbon monoxide content if desired. The vesihöyryreaktio is a fundamental process in gasification technologies for converting solid carbonaceous materials like coal, biomass, and waste into useful gaseous fuels and chemical precursors.