Production of methane from biomass glycerol through coupling of steam reforming and methanation on Ni-Mn/Al2O3

Methane production from biomass glycerol was conducted through the coupling of catalytic steam reforming and methanation in this study. The syngas was obtained from glycerol steam reforming (GSR) over commercial catalysts with a good catalytic stability. The preparation and characterization of an Mn-modified Ni/Al2O3 catalyst was subsequently conducted in order to enhance the methanation of GSR syngas. The preparation and modification of a Ni/Al2O3 methanation catalyst was carried out via co-impregnation, and the effect of Mn modification on the physicochemical properties and catalytic performances of methanation was investigated. The results indicated that the presence of MnO induced an increase in the surface area of the Ni-0 metallic species, promoting hydrogen spill-over and improving the activation of H-2, CO and CO2 over Ni/Al2O3 methanation catalysts. The preceding aspects were beneficial for the conversion of CO and CO2 in GSR syngas to methane. Ni/Al2O3 with 3 wt% Mn resulted in an excellent catalytic stability and a high activity, resulting in an 87% CH4 yield during GSR syngas methanation.