Ni-based catalysts for reforming of methane with CO2

Ni catalysts supported on different carriers like δ,θ-Al2O3, MgAl2O4, SiO2–Al2O3 and ZrO2–Al2O3 were prepared. The solids were characterized by chemical analysis, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, X-ray powder diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and temperature-programmed oxidation. The catalytic properties of the samples were evaluated in the reaction of reforming of methane with CO2 at 923 K. It was shown that this kind of support greatly affects the structure and catalytic performance of the catalysts. Ni catalyst supported on MgAl2O4 showed the highest activity and stability due to the presence of small well dispersed Ni particles with size of 5.1 nm. It was shown that the lowest activity of Ni catalyst supported on SiO2–Al2O3 oxide was caused by the agglomeration of nickel particles and formation of filamentous carbon under reaction conditions detected by the high resolution transmission electron microscopy.

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► Catalytic properties of Ni catalysts in dry methane reforming are studied.
► A strong interaction between NiO and MgAl2O4 exists.
► The best activity of Ni/MgAl catalyst is due to the smallest Ni size of 5.1 nm.