Catalytic performance of cubic ordered mesoporous alumina supported nickel catalysts in dry reforming of methane

Abstract In this research, a series of Ni-based catalysts with 10, 15, and 20% nickel content, supported on cubic ordered mesoporous alumina (COMA) for the first time were prepared employing one-pot synthesis and tested in dry reforming of methane reaction. In order to characterize the prepared samples N2 sorption isotherms, powder XRD, TEM, FT-IR, SEM/EDX, H2-TPR, XPS, TPO and TGA-DSC analyses were used. The 15%NiO/COMA catalyst showed the best catalytic performance over which conversions of CH4 = 99 and CO2 = 96% with H2/CO ratio = 0.89 at 850 °C were obtained. Performance stability test were carried out over catalyst of 15 wt% nickel content. Results were very promising as no activity loss was detected after 210 h of DRM reaction at 700 °C with GHSV = 18,000 ml/(g.h). TGA-DSC analysis proved that about 5 wt% carbon deposited onto the structure of endurance-tested catalyst after 210 h demonstrating excellent catalytic stability of COMA structure in DRM reaction.