Improving noble metal catalytic activity in the dry reforming of methane by adding niobium

Abstract

This work describes the use of Pd-Nb catalysts supported on commercial silica in the dry reforming of methane. The effect of Pd/Nb ratio was evaluated and it determined the catalytic response of the prepared catalysts. Thus, it was observed that the catalytic activity increased with the Pd/Nb ratio and bimetallic samples were more active than the monometallic ones. The sample with the highest Pd/Nb ratio was the best in terms of conversion, selectivity and stability. Nb presence decreased the amount of carbon deposited on the catalysts since the decomposition of CH4 is minimised in the operating conditions.