Ni/SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts for CO2 methanation: Effect of La2O3 addition

Ni-based catalysts, 13.5 Ni wt.%, with enhanced thermal stability and catalytic performance for CO2 methanation have been synthesized with different La2O3 loadings. Catalysts have been extensively characterised by: XRD, IR, H2-TPR, IPA-TPD, UV–vis-NIR, FE-SEM and tested in CO2 methanation. SiO2 addition to Al2O3 support decreases the activity for CO2 methanation, while lanthanum acts as suitable promoter by strongly increasing catalytic performances. Silica presence successfully inhibits the formation of crystalline perovskites phases, stabilizes support morphology, and allows the introduction of high La2O3 loadings, allowing a better control of acid-base properties. 37 % wt. La2O3 addition gives rise to even higher performances than those previously observed, i.e. 83 % CH4 yield at 573 K. Reaction orders for CO2 and H2 have been determined; La- addition is confirmed to be responsible for a reduction in the CO2 reaction order, suggesting a stronger CO2 adsorption and the possible role of these species as a reactant reservoirs.