Synthesis and Characterization of Catalysts in the System A12O3-MgO-NiO-Ni for Methane Reforming with CO2

Compositions to yield solid solutions were prepared by coprecipitation and firing. Fine active clusters of nickel were obtained by reduction. Phase changes were followed by thermal analysis, X-rays, electron microscopy, surface area measurements, and reforming methane with CO2. Nickel on periclase remained active over 125 h with nearly 100% conversion. The catalysts suppressed carbon deposition which occurred only immediately upstream and downstream of the catalyst. Nickel on spinel solid solution caused the catalyst to shatter with a drastic increase in surface area due to formation of NiAl2O4. The pressure drop decreased the flow rate, making this catalyst infeasible.