Sol-Gel Synthesis and Characterization of Ni/Al2O3 Nanocatalysts Doped with Co and Cu

The Ni/Al2O3 nanocatalysts were prepared by Sol-Gel method and promoted with Cobalt and Copper. Samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, FTIR, and TG-DTG analysis. This work is primarily focused on the development of novel nickel-based nanocatalysts to achieve stable operation for CO2 reforming of CH4. Three Ni-based nanocatalysts with the same Ni content (10 wt %) were synthesized. Addition of 3 wt.% Cu to the Ni/Al2O3 nanocatalyst enhanced the stability and better distribution of the active phase, however in the case of Co addition in Ni-Co/Al2O3 nanocatalyst, it is enhanced specific surface area of the sample. Achieved picks by XRD were noted that are very weak and broad as the size of active phase particles are very small.