Effect of different activated carbon support on CH4CO2 reforming over Co-based catalysts

CH4CO2 reforming to syngas was investigated over three different activated carbon catalysts. To better understand the influence of the supports on the catalytic properties, catalysts were analyzed by some characterization methods, such as nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, XRD, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, CO2-TPD, FTIR, TEM and EDX. The results showed that the catalyst with AC2 as the support provided the best catalytic activity. The CH4 conversion and CO2 conversion were 92% and 98% at 900 °C, respectively; best selectivity with the H2/CO ratio was close to 1 among the three supports used. It also showed a better stability at 900 °C. H2-TPR analysis showed that Co species in Co/AC2 catalyst were strong interaction with the support. It was observed that active metals were well dispersed on the AC2 support by the TEM. In addition, the ratio of CH4/CO2 also had great influence on the CH4 and CO2 conversion.