Synthesis of NiAl2O4 with high surface area as precursor of Ni nanoparticles for hydrogen production

NiAl2O4 with high surface area was synthesized by the combustion method, evaluating the effect of urea/nitrate (U/N) ratio. The use of a stoichiometric U/N ratio resulted in a material with high surface area and homogeneous nanocrystallites, while the excess of fuel resulted in a non-porous material with low surface area. The formation of superficial Ni nanoparticles resulted in excellent stability on CO2 methane reforming. This can be attributed to the rearrangement of nickel in the aluminate matrix and the migration of nickel particles through carbon filaments at the surface during the activation process.

Research highlights►Combustion method for preparation of Aluminate NiAl2O4. ►Effect of urea/nitrate (U/N) ratio on the surface area and crystallinity. ►TPSR results show that temperature influences the activation process. ►The formation of superficial Ni nanoparticles resulted in excellent stability. ►Very small crystallites migrate through the filaments to the Ni aluminate surface.