The deactivation behaviors of MeMo/La2O3-Al2O3- and MeMo/Nb2O5 supported
catalysts were investigated in the tri-reforming of methane (TRM).
Characterizations by XRD, SEM-EDS, HRTEM, XPS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopies
were performed, after testing the catalysts in distinct TRM reaction
conditions. The effects the transition metal components had on the
causes of the deactivations of the solids were evaluated. The reaction
conditions favored PtO
x
species residing
in close contact with Mo sites to form a PtMo alloy. This enhanced
the CH4 activation avoiding carbon accumulation in PtMo/Nb2O5. In contrast, LaPtO
x
[Pto]n surface oxygen species formation neither
avoided sintering of the Pto particles on Mo/La2O3-Al2O3 nor oxidized the deposited
carbon. The incorporation of Co in Mo/La2O-Al2O3 and Mo/Nb2O5 caused the continuous
reoxidation of Co species because of the presence of O2, CO2, and steam reactants during the TRM reaction. Significant
coke depositions on the Nio sites of NiMo/La2O3-Al2O3 and NiMo/Nb2O5 by the contribution of Boudouard and methane cracking
reactions were observed, in short-term stability runs.