Catalytic reforming of toluene and naphthalene (model tar) by char supported nickel catalyst

The purpose of this study was to utilize gasification derived char as a catalyst support for tar removal. Red cedar char collected from downdraft bed gasification was chemically activated into activated carbon and impregnated with nickel acetate and nickel nitrate. The effects of nickel salts precursor, nitric acid treatment of support and reduction of nickel in hydrazine medium on catalyst performance were studied. It was found nickel nitrate was a better nickel precursor than nickel acetate for preparation of char supported nickel catalyst. The catalyst impregnated with nickel nitrate was found more active in steam reforming of toluene than the catalyst impregnated with nickel acetate. TEM results indicated that nickel particle size of the catalyst impregnated with nickel nitrate was much smaller than that of the catalyst impregnated with nickel acetate. Toluene showed higher removal efficiency than naphthalene. The presence of naphthalene decreased the toluene removal.