CeO2 Promoted Ni-MgO-Al2O3 nanocatalysts for carbon dioxide reforming of methane

In this study, the catalytic performance of the CeO2 promoted Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalysts with different preparation methods was studied in carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CDRM) for the production of synthesis gas. The nitrogen adsorption/desorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction and oxidation (TPR and TPO), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to characterize the samples. The obtained results showed that the Ce addition to Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalyst with the high specific surface area has a significant influence on the metal crystallite size, reduction properties, and coke deposition. The CeO2-Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalyst with cerium content of 3 wt% prepared by the impregnation method possessed the highest resistance against carbon formation in CDRM. In addition, the catalytic results confirmed that the feed ratio (CO2/CH4) and GHSV affected the catalytic activity. However, the CH4 and CO2 conversions improved when the cerium was added to Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalysts.