Influence of group VIB metals on activity of the Ni/MgO catalysts for methane decomposition

Mesoporous 55 wt.% Ni/MgO and group VIB metal (Cr, Mo or W)-doped catalysts were prepared using the facile one-pot evaporation-induced self-assembly in ethanol and wetness impregnation methods, respectively. Physicochemical properties of the as-prepared catalysts were characterized by means of the BET, XRD, SEM, TEM, HAADF, XPS, H-2-TPR, TPO, and Raman techniques. The doping of Cr to 55 wt% Ni/MgO improved catalytic activity and stability for the decomposition of methane under harsh reaction conditions. The maximal initial methane conversions of 80, 87, and 75% were achieved over the 55 wt.% Ni-xCr/MgO (denoted as 55Ni-xCr/MgO; x = 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) at 675 degrees C and GHSV = 48,000 mL/(g h), respectively. It is concluded that the high catalytic efficiency of the Cr-doped sample in methane decomposition was associated with its high surface area, high oxygen adspecies concentration, and good low-temperature reducibility. In addition, multi-walled carbon filaments with metal-encapsulated carbon particles were deposited on the Cr-doped catalysts, and the ordered carbon filaments with different diameters and good crystallinity were produced on the surface of the 55Ni-10Cr/MgO catalyst.