Mo2C/SBA-15 Modified by Ni for the Dry Reforming of Methane

A Ni/Mo2C/SBA-15 catalyst was prepared for carbon dioxide reforming of methane to produce synthesis gas. The catalysts modified by nickel were prepared from ammonium heptamolybdate that was supported with SBA-15 and were carburized in a flow of 20.0 vol% CH4/H-2 gas mixture. The catalyst was characterized by N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The activity and stability of the catalysts for dry reforming of methane was tested at 1073 K, atmospheric pressure, gaseous hourly space velocity of 8,000 ml(3) h(-1) g(-1), and a CH4/CO2 molar ratio of 1. The Ni/Mo2C/SBA-15 catalyst exhibited a better catalytic and anti-coking performance due to smaller metal particles, higher metal dispersion, and better ordered pore distribution compared with Mo2C catalysts. The surface carbon of nickel migrated to molybdenum carbide, which prevented the oxidation of molybdenum carbide and coke deposition.