RhNi nanocatalysts for the CO2 and CO2 + H2O reforming of methane

Monometallic and bimetallic RhNi nanocatalysts, supported on a nanofibrous alumina, employed for H2(+CO) production by CO2 and CO2 + H2O reforming of methane were prepared and tested under reaction conditions. The catalysts were characterized before and after reaction by conventional methods. The influence of the incorporation of Rh to Ni/Al2O3 catalysts and presence of H2O in the reaction were analyzed. Characterization results showed that the incorporation of Rh in the formulation promotes the reducibility and stability of Ni particles, avoids Ni aggregation and inhibits the net carbon formation. RhNi supported nanocatalysts are highly active and stable systems for the CO2 and CO2 + H2O reforming of methane. Low Rh loading, in an atomic ratio 1:100 (Rh:Ni), in Ni-based catalysts allowed an improvement in the reaction stability as well as in the selectivity towards H2 and CO instead towards coke. The incorporation of water in the feed stream produces a drastic decrease in the global carbon formation and the quantity incorporated can be tuned to obtain different H2/CO ratios.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (200 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Rh as promotor for Ni based catalysts supported on a nanofibrous alumina. ► RhNi nanocatalysts are active and stable for the CO2 and CO2 + H2O reforming of CH4. ► Rh promotes the dispersion and reduces the net carbon formation. ► CO2 + H2O reforming allows the attainment of high H2/CO ratios.