What Does
Boudouard Reaction Mean?
The Boudouard reaction describes the reaction of solid carbon (char) with carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce carbon monoxide (CO).
The reaction is highly endothermic, meaning the process absorbs energy from its surroundings usually in the form of heat.
Safeopedia Explains Boudouard Reaction
The Boudouard reaction, named after its discoverer, has been known since 1905. The reaction is one of the equilibria that takes place during the gasification of coal and other carbon-rich sources. It is also commonly utilized during the production of graphite and is an important process inside a blast furnace as well.
Studies have shown that through this reaction, carbon dioxide produced from a variety of combustion plants, including exhaust/flue gas and synthesis gas, can be upgraded to the fuel gas, carbon monoxide. This has been shown to be a straightforward route to mitigate carbon dioxide emission, which is a primary contributor to global warming.