Catalytic conversion of methane and CO 2 to synthesis gas over a La 2O 3-modified SiO 2 supported Ni catalyst in fluidized-bed reactor

Abstract

In this contribution, a commercial spherical SiO 2 was modified with different amounts of La 2O 3, and used as the support of Ni catalysts for autothermal reforming of methane in a fluidized-bed reactor. Nitrogen adsorption, XRD and H 2-TPR analysis indicated that La 2O 3-modified SiO 2 had higher surface area, strengthened interaction between Ni and support, and improved dispersion of Ni. CO 2-TPD found that La 2O 3 increased the alkalescence of SiO 2 and improved the activation of CO 2. Coking reaction (via both temperature-programmed surface reaction of CH 4 (CH 4-TPSR) and pulse decomposition of CH 4) disclosed that La 2O 3 reduced the dehydrogenation ability of Ni. CO 2-TPO, O 2-TPO (followed after CH 4-TPSR) confirmed that only part amount of carbon species derived from methane decomposition could be removed by CO 2, and O 2 in feed played a crucial role for the gasification of the inactive surface carbons. Ni/ xLa 2O 3-SiO 2 ( x = 10, 15, 30) possessed high activity and excellent stability for autothermal reforming of methane in a fluidized-bed reactor.