Dry reforming of methane over NixMg6−xAl1.8La0.2 catalysts

Abstract

Two NixMg6-xAl1.8La0.2 (x=0,2) catalysts were synthesized via hydrotalcite route and calcined at 800°C. For comparison, a second NixMg6-xAl1.8La0.2(x=2) was also prepared via hydrotalcite route but with hydrothermal treatment to evaluate the difference between conventional preparation and preparation with hydrothermal treatment. Physico-chemical characterizations were conducted before and after calcination. These characterization techniques included X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR). The catalytic performance of these catalysts was also tested in the Dry Reforming of Methane (DRM). Catalytic test results of the more efficient catalyst were compared to the results of a similar NixMg6-xAl2 catalyst such as to evaluate the role of lanthanum doping and its impact on the catalytic activity of the catalysts. It was found that the addition of lanthanum resulted in improved catalytic activity in the DRM reaction. This improvement can be attributed to the formation of more basic sites and the presence of La2O3 after calcination which reduces coke formation.