Enhancing the catalytic performance of Co substituted NiAl2O4 spinel by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method for steam and dry reforming of methane

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2021-01, Vol.46 (1), p.357-373
• Main Authors: Aghaali, Mohammad Hadi, Firoozi, Sadegh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalyst; Dry reforming of methane; Nickel aluminate; Steam reforming of methane; Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.09.157

(Ni,Co)Al2O4 mesoporous spinel particles with a high specific surface area were synthesized in a single-step by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis at 1000 °C. After reduction, a uniform metal distribution was obtained on the support, which was used as a catalyst for dry and steam reforming of methane. Substituting Ni with Co resulted in a substantial increase in the specific surface area from 118 m2/g to 182 m2/g as a result of different decomposition paths that occurs for Ni and Co salts in the pyrolysis reactions. Results show that partial substitution of Ni with Co, between 20 and 50%, significantly increased the methane conversion values and improved the stability of the catalysts in the time on stream experiments. It also shows that partial substitution substantially improved the catalyst resistance against carbon deposition in the dry reforming process. The complete replacement of the cobalt with nickel in spinel structure caused a significant drop in catalytic properties. [Display omitted] •NixCo1-xAl2O4 synthesized by a single-step spray pyrolysis as DRM and SRM catalyst.•Uniform Ni/Co nanoparticles was formed over the highly porous Al2O3 after reduction.•Co improved the CH4 conversion and hydrogen yield of the catalysts.•Spray pyrolysis and Co addition improved the morphological feature of the catalyst.