Analysis of coke deposition and study of the structural features of MAl2O4 catalysts for the dry reforming of methane

Hydrogen production from the dry reforming of methane has been studied over MAl2O4 (M = Cu2+, Ni2+ or both) with respect to the structure, surface properties and coke deposition of the spinel oxides. The catalysts were characterized by Raman, XPS, TEM, and N2 adsorption isotherms methods. The Nio/NiAl2O4 system was significantly more active due to the intimated contact between Nio specie and the NiAl2O4. This system is found to give carbon filaments which easily react with CO2, in comparison with the Cu-based spinel oxides.