Yttrium promoted Ni-based double-layered hydroxides for dry methane reforming

Yttrium modified Ni-based double-layered hydroxides were tested as novel catalysts in dry methane reforming. The catalysts were characterized by XRF, BET analysis, XRD, TPR-H-2, TPD-CO2, TGA/DSC-MS, H-2 chemisorption and TEM. Co-precipitation with yttrium (III) nitrate hexahydrate resulted in increased specific surface area, smaller Ni crystallite size, enhanced reducibility, and higher distribution of weak and medium basic sites as compared to Y-free material. The DRM catalytic tests, carried out in the temperature range of 850-600 degrees C, led to a significant improvement of activity, with the 1.5 wt Y-promoted catalyst being the most efficient in converting both CH4 and CO2. Moreover, the 10 h test at 700 degrees C further confirmed enhanced stability for this HTNi-Y1.5 catalyst. Higher CO2 conversion than CH4 conversion and less CO compared to H-2 proves that side reactions are occurring simultaneously.