Nickel catalyst activation in the carbon dioxide reforming of methane: Effect of pretreatments

A Ni/Al2O3 catalyst has been submitted to different treatments prior to catalytic test in the dry reforming of methane. The performed pretreatments are: (i) calcination+hydrogencalcination+hydrogen reduction, (ii) direct hydrogen reduction and (iii) heat treatment up to the reaction temperature under inert atmosphere. The activity is not affected by the pretreatment carried out but a noticeable effect on the amount of deposited coke has been observed, probably related with an influence of the pretreatment on the size and structure of the nickel particles.

Graphical abstractThe activation of a Ni/Al2O3during the CO2 reforming reaction and the effects of calcination and reduction pretreatments on the catalytic properties have been studied. The results show that the activity is not affected by the pre-treatment but a noticeable effect on the amount of coke deposited has been observed. The following figure shows variations in the gas composition during a CH4-TPR experiment corresponding to the reaction that produces the catalyst activation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide