Nickel-magnesia catalysts for the steam reforming of light hydrocarbons

The advantages of using magnesia prepared using two techniques as a support for nickel catalysts for the steam reforming of light hydrocarbons has been examined. The initial specific activities of nickel supported on alumina or magnesia were similar, but deactivation as a result of coke formation was significantly greater on alumina-supported nickel. The steam reforming of ethane and propane over nickel/magnesia catalysts was much less affected by coke formation over longer times-on-line. The effects of variation in the preparation of magnesia were small, differences only appearing in rates of coking of higher hydrocarbons.