Reforming of methane with carbon dioxide over supported Ni catalysts.

The reforming of methane with carbon dioxide was studied over nickel supported on alpha Al2O3, gamma Al2O3, alpha Al2O3 + SiO2, SiO2, ZrO2, MgO and modified either by transition metallic adducts (Co, Cu and Fe) or by alkaline promoters Na, K. A strong influence of support nature on the catalytic activity was observed. The catalytic activity of Ni/alpha Al2O3 was very similar to that of Ni/gamma Al2O; however, more coking was observed over the latter. Thus, the methane reforming activity decreases in the following order: alpha Al2O3 > gamma Al2O3 > SiO2 > alpha Al2O3 + SiO2 > ZrO2, MgO. The nickel catalysts properties were also affected by metallic additives (Co, Cu and Fe) and by alkaline promoters Na, K.