Direct decomposition of methane over Ni catalyst supported in magnesium aluminate

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2012-06, Vol.208, p.409-414
• Main Authors: Nuernberg, Giselle D.B., Foletto, Edson L., Campos, Carlos E.M., Fajardo, Humberto V., Carreño, Neftalí L.V., Probst, Luiz F.D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Catalytic reactions; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Magnesium aluminate; Methane decomposition; MgAl2O4; Synthesis; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.02.037

► Direct decomposition of methane over Ni catalyst supported in MgAl2O4 was investigated. ► The influence of N2:CH4 molar ratio and catalyst reduction temperature was investigated. ► In the methane decomposition over Ni/MgAl2O4, multiwall carbon nanotubes were formed. In this paper, the results obtained in the methane decomposition reaction promoted by a Ni catalyst supported on MgAl2O4 spinel are presented. The textural properties of the catalyst were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms (BET and BJH methods), thermogravimetric (TGA) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) analysis. The influence of the operating conditions employed on the methane decomposition was studied. According to the results, it was found that a N2:CH4 molar ratio of 7:1 and catalyst reduction temperature of 700°C/1h were the best conditions for methane decomposition. In addition, in the methane decomposition over Ni/MgAl2O4, multiwall carbon nanotubes were formed.