Bi-reforming of hydrocarbons to produce synthesis gas

A system for direct reduction of iron ore, the system comprising:

• a reforming unit capable of producing synthesis gas comprising hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) in a H2/CO molar ratio of 1.6 to 2.0 from a gaseous reactant stream comprising H2, CO, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water (H2O), the reforming unit comprising:
• a reaction zone comprising the gaseous reactant feed and a catalyst material, the catalyst material comprising:
• a chemically inactive metal oxide core;
• a redox metal oxide layer deposited on a surface of the metal oxide core, the redox metal oxide layer comprising a dopant;
• and
• a catalytically active metal deposited on the surface of the redox metal oxide layer;
• and
• a furnace in fluid communication with the reformer, the furnace capable of reducing iron ore using the synthesis gas received from the reformer.