Synthesis of NiO/MgO/ZrO2 catalyst for syngas production from partial oxidation and dry reforming of biogas

Abstract

This work focuses on a facile NiO/MgO/ZrO2 synthesis protocol for syngas production via partial oxidation and dry reforming of biogas. Herein, performance of the developed catalysts with different amounts of MgO (0–40 %wt. of support) and NiO (10–50 %wt.) on %CH4 conversion, %CO2 conversion, H2/CO ratio, and carbon formation are studied. The results reveal the presence of monoclinic ZrO2 and tetragonal ZrO2 phases with 50%NiO/ZrO2 catalyst synthesized by surface modification technique using carbon derived from urea. Addition of MgO in the catalyst shows ability to stabilize tetragonal ZrO2 phase as well as enhance basic surface of the catalyst. These properties render the adsorption of CO2 molecules on the surface, which subsequently are reduced by carbon, leading to CO production. Appropriated amount of NiO and MgO, which is 30 %wt. NiO and 20 %wt. MgO (relative to ZrO2) can produce syngas having quality (H2/CO molar ratio) of ca. 2.