Ni–Al2O3 catalysts prepared by solution combustion method for syngas methanation

Ni–Al2O3 catalysts with varied Ni contents from 10 to 50 wt.% were prepared by solution combustion method for syngas methanation, and characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, XRD, H2-TPR, SEM and TEM. The results show that the catalytic activity for syngas methanation over the Ni-Al2O3 catalysts is sensitive to Ni particle size and a maximum production rate of methane per unit mass of nickel can be achieved on Ni crystals around 41.8 nm. Moreover, Ni–Al2O3 catalysts with Ni loading above 20 wt.% show good high temperature stability, which is due to Ni particles scattered and spatially isolated by Al2O3.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Ni-Al2O3 catalysts are synthesized by solution combustion method. ► Syngas methanation over Ni-Al2O3 catalysts is a structure sensitivity reaction. ► The highest CO conversion is achieved on around 41.8 nm Ni particle size. ► Ni nanoparticles are scattered and spatially isolated by Al2O3.