A highly reactive and stable Ru/Co6−xMgxAl2 catalyst for hydrogen production via methane steam reforming

• Ru/Co6−xMgxAl catalysts are very performing in methane steam reforming reaction.
• Ru/Co6Al2 stable for at least 100 h in MSR under stressing conditions.
• Coke and carbon deposition is negligible under operational conditions.
• Ru/Co6Al2 (1 wt.% Ru) outmatches the industrial catalyst Ru/Al2O3 (5 wt.% Ru).

Hydrogen production by methane steam reforming is an important yet challenging process. A performing catalyst will favor the thermodynamic equilibrium while ensuring good hydrogen selectivity. We hereby report the synthesis of a ruthenium based catalyst on a cobalt, magnesium, and aluminum mixed oxides supports. An interaction between cobalt and ruthenium favors the formation of smaller, well dispersed cobalt/ruthenium oxide species. The Ru/Co6Al2 catalyst outmatches the widely used industrial Ru/Al2O3 catalyst. The catalyst is stable for 100 h on stream. After test characterization shows the formation of carbon and coke deposits at trace levels. However, this does not affect the catalytic performance of the catalysts making it good candidates for industrial applications.