| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40846 | Applied Catalysis A: General | 2012 | 10 Pages |
In this work the catalytic performance of NiAl2O4 catalyst in the partial oxidation of methane (CH4(1)/O2(0.5)/N2(8.5) and 4800 mL CH4 g−1 h−1) was investigated. This bulk catalyst resulted more active (70% conversion at 625 °C) than alumina supported nickel catalysts prepared by conventional impregnation (11%Ni/Al2O3-30% conversion at 625 °C and 14%Ni/Al2O3-65% conversion at 625 °C) and a commercial platinum catalyst (1%Pt/Al2O3-30% conversion at 625 °C). Further, the behaviour of NiAl2O4 was comparable to that of a commercial rhodium catalyst (1%Rh/Al2O3-75% conversion at 625 °C). Fresh and spent catalysts were characterised by N2-physisorption, H2-TPR, UV-vis-DRS, WDXRF, XRD, TGA-MS, TEM and Raman spectroscopy. After catalyst reduction CH4 conversion over bulk NiAl2O4 was associated with the formation of large amounts of metallic nickel crystallites with a relatively small size. Although significant coking was noticed, conversion and selectivity to H2/CO were not significantly affected after prolonged time on stream.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (167 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Bulk NiAl2O4 resulted highly active for POM to syngas. ► Its catalytic activity was comparable to that exhibited by a commercial Rh catalyst. ► Reduction of NiAl2O4 favoured the formation of small Ni0 crystallites. ► This catalyst resulted markedly stable during extended time on stream.
