Dry reforming of methane on Ni–Mg–Al nano-spheroid oxide catalysts prepared by the sol–gel method from hydrotalcite-like precursors

• Published in: Applied surface science 2013-09, Vol.280, p.876-887
• Main Authors: González, Albert R., Asencios, Yvan J.O., Assaf, Elisabete M., Assaf, José M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Catalysts; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Dry reforming of methane; Drying; Exact sciences and technology; Methane; Mixed oxides; Nanocapsular hydrotalcites; Nanostructure; Nickel; Physics; Sol gel process; Sol–gel method
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.05.082

•Nanospheric structures of mixed oxides were generated from Ni–Mg–Al layered double hydroxides.•The higher the calcining temperature of Ni–Mg–Al layered double hydroxides, the lower was the carbon deposition rate during DRM.•The amorphous carbon formed by the best catalyst was not prejudicial to the catalytic activity. Nanocapsular hydrotalcites (layered double hydroxides – LDHs) were synthesized by the sol–gel method and used as precursors of nano-structured mixed oxides containing various nickel loads (4, 15 and 19wt%). The best conditions for the preparation of LDHs were analyzed and the structures of the resulting mixed oxides were studied. The optimal nickel load and calcining conditions were optimized. Finally, the resulting catalysts were tested in the dry reforming of methane for 8h at 800°C under atmospheric pressure. These materials showed high activity and stability, and the coke deposits were minimal on the catalyst prepared under optimal conditions (19wt% nickel load and thermal treatment at 650°C). The best catalyst formed amorphous carbon, which seems not to be prejudicial to the reaction.