Hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to methane over mesoporous nickel-M-alumina (M = Fe, Ni, Co, Ce, and La) xerogel catalysts

Mesoporous nickel(30 wt%)-M(10 wt%)-alumina xerogel (30Ni10MAX) catalysts with different second metal (M = Fe, Ni, Co, Ce, and La) were prepared by a single-step sol–gel method for use in the methane production from carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In the methanation reaction, yield for CH4 decreased in the order of 30Ni10FeAX > 30Ni10NiAX > 30Ni10CoAX > 30Ni10CeAX > 30Ni10LaAX. Experimental results revealed that CO dissociation energy of the catalyst and H2 adsorption ability of the catalyst played a key role in determining the catalytic performance of 30Ni10MAX catalyst in the methanation reaction. Optimal CO dissociation energy of the catalyst and large H2 adsorption ability of the catalyst were favorable for methane production. Among the catalysts tested, 30Ni10FeAX catalyst with the most optimal CO dissociation energy and the largest H2 adsorption ability exhibited the best catalytic performance in terms of conversion of CO and yield for CH4 in the methanation reaction. The enhanced catalytic performance of 30Ni10FeAX was also due to a formation of nickel–iron alloy and a facile reduction.