Comparison of preparation methods for improving coke resistance of Ni-Ru/MgAl2O4 catalysts in dry reforming of methane for syngas production

A small loading of highly dispersed Ru on Ni/MgAl2O4 catalyst was investigated in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) process. The catalysts were synthesized by impregnation and deposition-precipitation methods; the DRM reaction was performed at CH4/CO2/N2 = 1/1/1 and 600‒750°C. The bimetallic Ni‒Ru catalysts exhibited improved reducibility and metal dispersion compared with that of the Ni catalyst. Among the synthesized catalysts, the Ru(D)/Ni(I)/MgAl2O4 catalyst had the highest metal dispersion (7.23%) and largest amount of CO2 desorption (135 μmol/g). Thus, this catalyst exhibited the highest CH4 conversion (85.6%) at 750°C. Additionally, coke deposition of only 2.69% occurred during the stability test.