A mesoporous-type catalytic support was synthesized through the modification of a smectite with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and microwaves. Texture and micro-morphology of the support was determined. Several techniques were employed in order to describe the chemical environment of active species on the surface. Ni 0 particle sizes were dependent on the structural site of reducible species. High stable Ni-Ce catalysts (calcined at 800°C) were evaluated in the CO 2 reforming of methane reaction at 700°C (WHSV = 96 L g -1 h -1 , without dilution gas and pre-reduction). The catalysts have presented CH 4 conversions between 40 and 65%, CO 2 conversion between 35 and 65% and H 2 /CO ratios between 0.2 and 0.4.

This article reports modifying a Colombian bentonite with an Al-Fe mixture from 10% and 50% p/p clay suspensions as well as dry material, using water or acetone as dispersal phase. The solids thus obtained were characterized using atomic absorption, residual cationic interchange ability and x-ray diffraction. Catalytic activity was evaluated regarding phenol oxidation reaction with hydrogen peroxide in diluted aqueous medium. The results indicated that solids prepared in concentrated suspension presented structural, textural and catalytic properties comparable with modified solids in diluted suspension (2% weight).