Combined Steam and Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane Using Nickel-Based Catalysts: Effects of Synthesis Method, Promoter, Space Velocity and Pressure

Abstract

The effects of Rh and MgO addition, weight hourly space velocity (WHSV: 20000 ~ 100000 ml/h·g cat ), and pressure (0.1 ~ 10 barg) on the combined steam and carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CSCRM) were investigated using Ni supported on Al 2 O 3 . In addition, the Ni/Al 2 O 3 samples produced by the freeze drying (FD) and oven drying (OD) methods were compared to improve the activity and high-temperature stability. FD obtained a higher surface area, higher metal dispersion, and smaller Ni crystallite size than those obtained by OD. The resistance to carbon deposits was improved using the FD method. In the CSCRM, the higher the WHSV and pressure, the lower catalyst activity. However, Rh-Ni/MgO-Al 2 O 3 showed the smallest carbon deposits and the highest activity, and exhibited high stability in a long-term reaction that lasted 36 h. This study can provide basic data for the CSCRM demonstration process.