Nickel–Alumina Catalysts in the Reaction of Carbon Dioxide Re-Forming of Methane under Thermal and Microwave Heating

Abstract

The activity of 10% Ni/Al2O3 and 10% Ni/Al2O3-F catalysts prepared by sol–gel method was studied in the carbon dioxide methane re-forming under thermal and microwave heating. It is found that replacement of thermal for microwave heating results in stable activity restoration with substantial suppression of coke formation. Thermodynamic calculation of reactants and products equilibrium concentrations in the main and side reactions, including soot formation, shows that in the microwave-activated process of carbon dioxide methane re-forming on 10% Ni/Al2O3-F the reactions of carbon and perhaps methane steam re-forming are significantly intensified. Physicochemical methods (DRIFT spectroscopy, adsorption measurements by the BET method) revealed differences in surface properties of catalysts (specific surface area, pore volume, acidity), as well as electronic state of nickel. The results obtained demonstrate the perspectives of the microwave activation of the reactions of carbon dioxide re-forming not only in ...