Catalytic Activity Tests of Nickel-Based Catalysts for the Synthesis of Synthetic Natural Gas at a High Temperature

In this study, highly efficient nickel-based catalysts were prepared via impregnation with the use of support and promoter materials for the synthesis of synthetic natural gas (SNG) from synthetic gas through methanation. The activity of the catalysts was tested at different temperatures (300-800 degrees C) and pressures (atmospheric and 3.0 MPa). It was confirmed through the activity tests and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area and X-ray diffraction analyses that the two catalysts that were prepared in this study, Ni-Mg/Al2O3 and Ni-Ca/Al2O3, exhibit high catalytic activity and durability at a high temperature due to the high dispersion of their nickel components over the Al2O3 used as the support material, as well as prevention of sintering through the addition of a promoter. It was suggested that impregnation should be considered a suitable loading method for high nickel dispersion over the catalysts, and that the nickel content over the catalyst should be reduced by 10 wt.% for the synthesis of SNG with coal gas. It was found that high-pressure conditions are beneficial for obtaining high methane selectivity in the methanation process.