Ru–Ni Catalyst in the Combined Dry-Steam Reforming of Methane: The Importance in the Metal Order Addition

Abstract

Biogas is one of the main biomass-energy resources. Its use for syngas production with a H2/CO ratio close to two would have huge environmental, social and economic impact in the actual energetic scenario. However, the use of dry reforming, where the two main components are transformed into syngas, does not allow the desired H2/CO ratio. For this reason, the addition of water is proposed. The process was performed with two Ru–Ni catalysts where the metal order in the impregnation process was varied. The catalysts were prepared either by simultaneous or consecutive impregnation of the active phases and its catalytic performance in the combined dry-steam reforming of methane was tested. The catalysts were characterized by XRF, XRD, SBET, TPR-H2 and Raman spectroscopy. The existence of a strong Ni–Ru interaction is evidenced by Raman spectroscopy and TPR-H2 in the sample synthesized by the simultaneous impregnation. Concerning the catalytic activity, this sample presents the highest CH4 and CO2 conversion values in the entire composition rate and the lowest amount of carbon deposits after reaction. After pulse, and reactivity tests it was concluded that the higher Ni–Ru interaction displayed by the catalyst synthesized by the simultaneous impregnation, enhances the carbon gasification.