Effect of Ceria and Magnesia Promoters on Ni/γAl2O3 for Dry Reforming of Methane and Its Regeneration

The promotional effects of Mg and Ce on the catalytic properties and carbon formation of Ni-based catalysts supported onγ-Al2O3 (Ni/γ-Al2O3) were investigated in dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction. The catalysts were prepared by conventional wet impregnation. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were determined by XRD, BET, XRF, TPR and SEM techniques. The obtained results revealed that the introduction of CeO2 and/or MgO led to a significant increase in the production of carbon monoxide (up to 97%) and a substantial reduction in the amount of coke deposition (carbon balance = 97%) especially with 15Ni/Ce3–Mg3/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, which maintained its high activity and stability even after 18 h under stream. After regeneration of the co-promoted catalyst under H2, it is noted that the catalyst was so active, the catalytic activity and coke resistance were restored (96.5% of CO and 97% of carbon balance). These performances were attributed to synergetic effect of Mg and Ce and the strong interactions between Ni and the support.