Ni-MOx-Al2O3 (M = Mg, Cr, Ce) catalysts prepared by Pechini technique for low temperature steam reforming of light hydrocarbons into methane-rich gas

30 wt.% NiO - 20 wt.% MOx-Al2O3 (M = Mg, Cr, Ce) catalysts with highly disordered structure were prepared by Pechini technique. Reduced catalysts were tested in low temperature steam reforming of model propane-methane mixture into methane-rich gas. The catalysts were compared with industrial samples and exhibited appropriate activity which increased in the following order: Industrial CH4 reforming catalyst < Ni-CeO2-Al2O3 ≈ Ni-Cr2O3-Al2O3 ≈ Ni-Al2O3 < Ni-MgO-Al2O3 ≈ Industrial CO and CO2 methanation catalyst. Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalyst with lower Ni content and higher calcination and reduction temperatures showed activity close to that of industrial methanation catalyst. The effect was attributed to Ni-MgO interaction which resulted in higher Ni dispersion.