Novel Ni/Ce(Ti)ZrO₂ Catalysts for Methane Dry Reforming Prepared in Supercritical Alcohol Media

Abstract

To achieve a high activity and coking stability of nickel catalysts in dry reforming of methane, materials comprised of ceria–zirconia doped by Ti were investigated as supports. Ceria–zirconia supports doped with titanium were prepared either via the Pechini method or by synthesis in supercritical alcohol media. Ni-containing catalysts were prepared by two techniques: standard incipient wetness impregnation and one-pot synthesis. The catalytic reaction of DRM to synthesis gas was carried out in the 600–750 °C range over 5% wt. Ni/Ce(Ti)ZrO2. Dried and calcined supports and catalysts were characterized by physicochemical methods including N2 adsorption, XRD, Raman, H2-TPR, and HRTEM. Both preparation methods led to formation of solid solution with cubic fluorite-like structure, as well as after addition of Ti. Introduction of Ti should provide improved oxygen storage capacity and mobility of support oxygen. The highest activity was observed with the catalyst of 5% wt. Ni/Ce0.75Ti0.2Zr0.05O2−δ composition due to optimized oxide support structure and support oxygen mobility.

Keywords

• ceria–zirconia
• supercritical synthesis
• dry reforming of methane
• biogas