Catalytic test of supported Ni catalysts with core/shell structure for dry reforming of methane

Supported nickel catalysts with core/shell structures of Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/MgO–Al2O3 were synthesized under multi-bubble sonoluminescence (MBSL) conditions and tested for dry reforming of methane (DRM) to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A supported Ni catalyst made of 10% Ni loading on Al2O3 and MgO–Al2O3, which performed best in the steam reforming of methane (97% methane conversion at 750 °C) and in the partial oxidation of methane (96% methane conversion at 800 °C), showed also good performance in DRM and excellent thermal stability for the first 150 h. The supported Ni catalysts Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/MgO–Al2O3 yielded methane conversions of 92% and 92.5%, respectively and CO2 conversions of 95.0% and 91.8%, respectively, at a reaction temperature of 800 °C with a molar ratio of CH4/CO2 = 1. Those were near thermodynamic equilibrium values.

Research Highlights► Synthesized supported Ni catalysts with core/shell structure of Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/MgO-Al2O3. ► Good catalysts for partial oxidation and steam reforming of methane. ► Catalytic test of these catalysts for dry reforming of methane. ► Methane conversion of 92% and CO2 conversion of 93% were obtained. ► Also showed good thermal stability for the first 150 h without an appreciable amount carbon deposition.