Si-MCM-41 obtained from different sources of silica and its application as support for nickel catalysts used in dry reforming of methane

Si-MCM-41 molecular sieves are attractive for use as catalytic supports in reforming processes, requiring the development of catalysts that combine low cost, high activity and resistance to coking for viable conversion of biogas (CH4 + CO2) into higher added value products such as synthesis gas (H2 + CO). In this work was synthesized Si-MCM-41 from a waste material (rice husk ash - RHA) and compared with Si-MCM-41 synthesized from a commercial silica source (tetraethylorthosilicate - TEOS). Both were evaluated as catalytic support in dry reforming of methane (DRM). Calcined Si-MCM-41 supports were wet impregnated with 10, 20 and 50% of nickel. DRM reactions were performed in a continuous-flow tubular reactor using a 1:1 CH4:CO2 molar mixture, at 700 and 800 °C, and WHSV of 30 L.h−1gcat−1. The results confirmed that the Si-MCM-41 structure was successfully synthesized by the different methods. The best DRM results were obtained with the 20%Ni/Si-MCM-41_TEOS catalyst.