Bi-metallic catalysts of mesoporous Al2O3 supported on Fe, Ni and Mn for methane decomposition: Effect of activation temperature

Methane decomposition reaction has been studied at three different activation temperatures (500 °C, 800 °C and 950 °C) over mesoporous alumina supported Ni-Fe and Mn-Fe based bimetallic catalysts. On co-impregnation of Ni on Fe/Al2O3 the activity of the catalyst was retained even at the high activation temperature at 950 °C and up to 180 min. The Ni promotion enhanced the reducibility of Fe/Al2O3 oxides showing higher catalytic activity with a hydrogen yield of 69%. The reactivity of bimetallic Mn and Fe over Al2O3 catalyst decreased at 800 °C and 950 °C activation temperatures. Regeneration studies revealed that the catalyst could be effectively recycled up to 9 times. The addition of O2 (1 ml, 2 ml, 4 ml) in the feed enhanced substantially CH4 conversion, the yield of hydrogen and the stability of the catalyst.