NiO-MgO Solid Solution Prepared by Sol-Gel Method as Precursor for Ni/MgO Methane Dry Reforming Catalyst: Effect of Calcination Temperature on Catalytic Performance

The influence of calcination temperature (500, 600 and 700 degrees C) on NiO-MgO solid solution formation and the performance of the resulting catalysts in CO2 reforming of methane was studied. The solid solutions and resulting catalysts were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, XRD, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), TEM and thermal gravimetric analysis techniques. Catalytic performance tests were carried out under 550-750 degrees C, 1 bar, CO2/CH4 = 1-3 mol/mol and space velocities of 30,000-120,000 ml/(h g(cat)). The catalyst calcined at 600 degrees C exhibited the best performance in terms of catalytic activity and stability and showed lowest amount of coke formation after 50 h-on-stream. The effect of calcination temperature on degree of NiO-MgO solid solution formation was demonstrated by both XRD and TPR profiles. The 600 degrees C calcination temperature was found to be an optimum as it caused modest NiO-MgO interaction, which is responsible for complete formation of the NiO-MgO solid solution with high nickel dispersion and resistant to coke formation. [GRAPHICS] .