Effect of a CeO2 Promoter on Physicochemical Properties and Activity of a 10%Co/Al2O3 Catalyst for CH4 and CO2 Reforming

This study investigates the effect of a CeO2 promoter on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activity of a mesoporous Al2O3-supported cobalt catalyst for the CH4 reforming reaction with CO2. The Al2O3 carrier was synthesized using Al(NO3)3·9H2O as the salt precursor and Pluronic® P-123 as the pore-directing agent, with 75% C2H5OH as the solvent. Cobalt oxide and cerium oxide were deposited onto the Al2O3 carrier via the capillary impregnation method. The incorporation of cerium oxide was found to reduce the cobalt oxide particle size and facilitate the catalyst activation process. The yields of CO and H2 were higher for the 3%Ce-10%Co/Al2O3 catalyst compared to the 10%Co/Al2O3 catalyst. Furthermore, a H2/CO ratio close to 1 was identified as optimal for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Additionally, carbon residues on the surface of the 3%Ce-10%Co/Al2O3 catalyst underwent rapid in situ oxidation, facilitating the reaction and maintaining the catalyst's stability.