Studies on highly active and low-cost Ni–Fe Bi-metallic catalyst supported on alumina for CO2 hydrogenation reaction

Abstract

Ni–Fe bimetallic catalysts supported on Al₂O₃ for CO₂ hydrogenation were prepared using low-cost metal precursors following acid to base precipitation method. The single metal catalysts were also prepared in a similar route for comparison studies. CO₂ methanation activity studies were conducted to screen the catalysts and XRD, N₂ physisorption studies, H₂-TPR, CO₂-TPD analysis were performed to corelate catalyst properties with performance. The 15Ni5Fe–Al₂O₃ catalyst performed better in terms of activity, selectivity and resistance towards coking. The said catalyst also performed very well at low temperatures. Higher Fe loading was found to be detrimental towards methanation performance. The adopted preparation method is easily scalable and suitable for commercial application.