Natural clay-based Ni-catalysts for dry reforming of methane at moderate temperatures

Natural clay based Ni-containing catalysts for dry methane reforming (DRM) were prepared using a Fe and Cu-modified Tunisian clay as support. The catalysts were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). H-2-temperature programmed reduction (H-2-TPR) and CO2-temperature programmed desorption (TPD). The catalysts were either reduced at 800 or at 900 degrees C prior to the DRM tests. Reduction temperature has a determinant influence in Ni crystal size and basicity. The catalysts reduced at 800 degrees C showed better catalytic performance than those reduced at 900 degrees C. The catalysts prepared using the Cu-modified clay yielded the highest CO2 and methane conversions all the time. At 850 degrees C, 72% CO2 conversion was measured, corresponding to a H-2/CO ratio near 1, close to the thermodynamically forecasted value. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.