The role of acid/base properties in Ni/MgO-ZrO2-based catalysts for dry reforming of methane

MgO-ZrO2 as a support material for DRM catalysts was prepared with varying MgO-content (12-68 mol-%) relative to ZrO2. Characterizing the acid/base properties of MgO-ZrO2 materials with TPD-NH3 and TPD-CO2, the density of acid/base sites was found to significantly decrease with increasing calcination temperature (723 K or 1123 K). Nevertheless, in relation to the specific BET surface area, values are comparable for both calcination temperatures and both, acid/base sites. The impregnation of Ni only significantly influences the density of acid/basic sites if MgO-ZrO2 was treated at only 723 K. Regarding the Ni-species available, melt-impregnation seems more suitable for DRM catalysts than wet-impregnation. In terms of catalytic activity in the DRM, results from an earlier work have been revisited with regard to the influence of MgO-content and basic sites.