Syngas production via dry reforming of methane over Ni-based nanocatalyst over various supports of clinoptilolite, ceria and alumina

Abstract

In this study, Ni-based nanocatalysts over various types of supports, NH4NO3 ion exchanged clinoptilolite, CeO2 and Al2O3, have been prepared by impregnation method and studied for CO2 reforming of CH4 into syngas. The physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized by XRD, FESEM, EDX, BET and FTIR analyses. XRD analysis is showed that the interaction between NiO and CeO2 results in well dispersion of NiO. Based on the BET analysis, Ni/Al2O3 nanocatalyst has the highest specific surface area in comparison to other nanocatalysts. FESEM images illustrate that, all the samples have nanoscale morphology. EDX analysis demonstrates the homogenous dispersion of Ni on Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/CeO2 nanocatalysts. The activity and stability of the synthesized nanocatalysts for CO2 reforming of CH4 were tested at temperature range of 550–850 °C. Ni/Al2O3 nanocatalyst illustrates much higher conversions (93% and 96% for CH4 and CO2 at 850 °C) and yields (90% and 93% for H2 and CO). Also, the activity of Ni/Al2O3 remained stable during 1440 min. Among the prepared samples, Ni/Al2O3 nanocatalyst has the best performance due to the desired physicochemical properties; while Ni/Clinoptilolite, as an inexpensive and economical nanocatalyst, has relatively good activity.