SBA-15 supported mesoporous Ni and Co catalysts with high coke resistance for dry reforming of methane

In this study, the activity of the mesoporous SBA-15 supported Ni, Co and NiCo catalysts prepared by the wet-impregnation were investigated in dry reforming of methane reaction. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPR, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, SEM, TEM and TG/DT techniques before and/or after activity tests. N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm of the all catalysts were consistent with Type IV isotherm, indicating mesoporous structures. TEM images of bimetallic NiCo catalysts clearly proved the presence of characteristic honeycomb structure. Incorporation Co into SBA-15 supported Ni catalysts inhibited the agglomeration of the nickel particles due to the formation of NiCo alloy. Activity test results showed that bimetallic 4Ni1Co@SBA-15 catalyst (Ni/Co:4/1) gave highly promising activity with high methane (73%) and carbon dioxide (89%) conversion values at 750 °C. Co incorporation into SBA-15 supported Ni catalyst significantly decreased the coke formation during dry reforming of methane.