Nickel catalysts supported on MgO/smectite-type nanocomposites for methane reforming
Nickel catalysts supported on MgO/smectite-type nanocomposites for methane reforming
Clays and Clay Minerals (December 2005) 53 (6): 622-630
- aliphatic hydrocarbons
- alkanes
- carbon dioxide
- catalysis
- chemical properties
- clay mineralogy
- clay minerals
- experimental studies
- hydrocarbons
- isotherms
- magnesium oxides
- metals
- methane
- nickel
- organic compounds
- oxides
- sheet silicates
- silicates
- smectite
- spectra
- synthesis
- TGA data
- X-ray diffraction data
- X-ray fluorescence spectra
MgO-clay nanocomposites were prepared from a synthetic smectite-type clay, TS, using three different non-ionic surfactants (Igepal CA-720, Brij 30 and Brij 56) and the resulting clay nanocomposites were impregnated with Ni for the methane reforming reaction with carbon dioxide to synthesis gas. A Ni/TS catalyst was also prepared for comparison. The prepared supports and catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis and N (sub 2) adsorption/desorption isotherms. The thermal stability, pore structure and the surface area strongly influence the catalytic behavior of the catalysts. The methane conversions (at 700 degrees C for 4 h) were 91, 95 and 97% for Ni/TSIGE, Ni/TSBR30 and Ni/TSBR56, respectively, indicating that the surface properties and the catalytic performance of the resulting solids slightly improved as the polyethylene oxide number of the surfactant increased. A reduced conversion (10%) and a rapid deactivation was observed in the Ni/TS catalyst, attributed to its Na content and low thermal stability, which led to sintering and coke deposition.