Development of a nickel-based catalyst for syngas production via tri-reforming of biogas

Thermo-chemical biomass valorization processes, such as tri-reforming, constitute a valid renewable alternative to produce chemicals, fuels, and energy. In this work, a structured Ni-based catalyst for biogas tri-reforming was developed for the first time by coupling a Ni/Mg/Al oxide active phase with a commercial Ni/Cr/Al-based metal foam support. The active phase was obtained by calcinating the layered double hydroxides (LDHs) precursor prepared via chemical synthesis and the catalyst was assembled by dip-coating. For this purpose, a stable aqueous suspension capable of dispersing the active phase and ensuring a homogeneous substrate covering was thoroughly optimized. The stability of the catalyst exposed to the reaction environment was evaluated by FE-SEM/EDX, confirming the durability of the coating. The Ni-based structured catalyst demonstrated promising performances, ensuring a stable CH 4 conversion of 97.7 % and only a slight reduction of CO 2 conversion after more than 17 h, with a syngas productivity >9˙500 mL∙min −1 ∙g −1 . • Structured nickel-based catalysts were produced by dip-coating. • A stable aqueous suspension was thoroughly optimized. • NiMgAl phase was deposited on porous NiCrAl foam for tri-reforming. • A conversion of 97.7 % and 80 % for CH 4 and CO 2 , respectively, was achieved. • The syngas productivity is higher than 9˙500 mL∙min −1 ∙g −1 .