Effect of La on the catalytic performance of mesoporous Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts for dry reforming of methane

Abstract

Mesoporous Ni/La2O3/γ-Al2O3 catalysts with different La contents (0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 wt.%) were prepared by the step-by-step impregnation method. The physicochemical properties of the prepared Ni/La2O3/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were characterized by H2-TPR, XRD, BET, O2-TPO, and TG. The effect of La dosage on the catalytic performance of Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst for dry reforming of methane was further investigated. The results show that the La content has a significant effect on the reducibility of high-valence Ni species, specific surface area, pore size, and pore volume as well as the catalytic performances. The high-valence Ni species in the NL3.5A catalyst precursor has high reducibility. And the specific surface area, pore size and pore volume of the NL3.5A catalyst are 145.9 m2 g−1, 11.7 nm, and 0.47 cm3 g−1, respectively. The catalytic activity of the series of prepared mesoporous Ni/La2O3/γ-Al2O3 catalysts follows the order: NL3.5A > NL2.5A > NL4.5A > NL1.5A > NL0.5A > NL0A. Namely, the NL3.5A catalyst possesses the best catalytic activity. The CH4 and CO2 conversions of NL3.5A catalyst are 61.6 and 39.1% at 600 °C, respectively. Additionally, it maintains a superior recycle capability for dry reforming of methane reaction because of the high coke resistance compared with the Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst.