The effect of modifier identity on the performance of Ni-based catalyst supported on ?-Al2O3 in dry reforming of methane

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) for the production of synthesis gas (syngas: H+CO) was performed over a series of nickel-based catalysts supported on ?-alumina promoted by B, Si, Ti, Zr, Mo and W. All catalysts were prepared by the wet incipient impregnation method and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N physisorption, H-TPR, CO-TPD, XPS, SEM and TGA. Among different catalysts investigated, 5Ni3SiAl and 5Ni3WAl catalytic systems were found highly active with excellent coke resistance in DRM, as both catalyst systems showed >64% CH conversion, >70% CO conversion, and >0.90 mol H/CO ratio over seven hours of reaction. The strong interaction between NiO and ?-alumina support in the presence of Si or W oxide modifier (in 5Ni3SiAl or 5Ni3WAl) was indicated as the main factor positively affecting both Ni dispersion and stability.