Bimetallic LaNi<sub>1-x</sub>Co<sub>x</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (x=0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1) Perovskite Catalysts for Tar Reforming to Syngas

Abstract

Perovskite-type oxide with transition metal as active site presented a promising potential catalyst for tar elimination in gasification process. LaNi1-xCoxO3 (x= 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1) were prepared by sol-gel method. The XRD profiles of the calcined catalysts revealed the mixed metal oxide forms including LaNiO3 and LaCoO3 rhombohedral structures. Good dispersion of La, Ni, and Co with homogenous structure was observed in synthesized catalyst. The particle size and surface area were in the range of 12.64-21.86 μm and 3.89-11.69 m2 /g, respectively. Activity of prepared catalysts on tar elimination was carried out using steam reforming of toluene as tar model compound at 500, 600, 700, and 800°C. Product distributions obtained from reforming reaction with LaNi1-xCoxO3 were between 40.24-88.84% of gas, 10.99-59.59% of liquid, and 0.15-0.17% of solid. Conversion to CO and H2 were found to increase with the reaction temperature. The maximum carbon and hydrogen conversion to syngas, CO and H2, of approximately 78.42% and 83.49% with acceptable heating value were occurred at 800oC using LaNiO3 as catalyst. Crystal structure of used catalysts clearly showed destruction of perovskite structure and transformation to metallic Ni and Co at effective temperature.