Preparation of structured catalysts with Ni and Ni–Rh/CeO2 catalytic layers for syngas production by biogas reforming processes

• Synthesis of Ni/CeO2 and Ni–Rh/CeO2 nanopowders by solution combustion method.
• Deposition on monolith and foam by support dip-coating into acid-free catalyst dispersion.
• Catalytic activity towards steam reforming and oxy-steam reforming of biogas.
• Slightly higher performance of NiRh-based catalyst compared to Ni-based sample.
• Higher activity of foam systems compared to honeycomb structured catalysts.

Ni(7.5 wt.%)/CeO2 and Ni(7.5 wt.%)-Rh(0.5 wt.%)/CeO2 powders (previously prepared by solution combustion synthesis) were washcoated on cordierite monolith and alumina open-cell foam by means of support dip-coating into acid-free catalyst dispersion. Catalytic performances toward the steam reforming (SR) and the oxy-steam reforming (OSR) of biogas were investigated and compared at different temperatures (700–800 °C) and weight space velocities (WSV = 70,000–350,000 Nml gcat−1 h−1). Coating load was controlled by multiple depositions; homogeneous and well adherent layers were found. Catalytic tests demonstrated superior performances of the bimetallic samples (Ni–Rh/CeO2) compared to the monometallic one (Ni/CeO2), especially at high space velocity. At the same time, foam showed better performances with respect to the monolithic support toward the SR and OSR processes.

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