A novel nickel catalyst supported on activated coal fly ash for syngas production via biogas dry reforming

In this study, we prepared novel Ni catalysts via wet impregnation of a support formed of industrial solid waste. Raw, alkali-treated, and alkali/acid co-treated coal fly ash were used for the first time as support for biogas dry reforming catalysts. The proposed two-step activation approach was highly effective in improving the surface area and changing the elemental composition of supports, thus enhancing the activity of the Ni catalysts. All catalysts prepared in this study effectively catalyzed the biogas dry reforming reaction: the catalyst using alkali/acid co-treated coal fly ash as support exhibited the best catalytic activity, with CH4 and CO2 conversion rates exceeding 95%, and good stability during 12 h of biogas dry reforming at 850 degrees C. This catalyst is highly competitive in terms of both activity and stability compared with most current Ni catalysts formed using commercial SiO2 supports. This study provides a new method for high-value application of coal fly ash, facilitating the manufacture of promising catalysts for biogas dry reforming. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.