Catalytic performance of Ni–Pr supported on delaminated clay in the dry reforming of methane

Mineral clay modified with Al, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and microwaves was used as a support to obtain a Ni–Pr catalyst. This catalytic system was evaluated in the reforming of methane with CO2. The experiments were carried out under drastic conditions for 300 min, with a 50/50 CH4/CO2 mixture, total flux of 80 mL min−1, without dilution gas (WHSV = 96 Lg−1h−1) and without previous reduction. The effect of the calcination temperature of the materials was studied at 500 °C and 800 °C as well as the effect of Pr (evaluating nominal quantities of 0, 1, 3 and 5%). The calcination temperature of the solid influenced the formation of the NiO species which had an effect on the activity and formation of coke on the material. The Pr had a promoter effect on the activity of the catalysts increasing the conversions of the CH 4 as well as the CO2. The formation of coke for the catalysts calcined at 500 °C presented a correlation with the praseodymium content while for those catalysts calcined at 800 °C there was no formation of coke.