Catalytic performance of ordered mesoporous carbons modified with lanthanides in dry methane reforming

The catalytic activity of Ce- and La-based catalysts supported on mesoporous carbons was studied in dry methane reforming reaction (DMR). Mesoporous carbons were prepared by hard template method using ordered silica (SBA-15 and KIT-6) as templates and sucrose as carbon precursor. After sucrose pyrolysis samples were washed with 5 wt% hydrofluoric acid at room temperature to remove the silica template. Catalysts and supports were characterized by small- and high-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), acid-basic surface oxygen functional groups and N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. Catalytic tests were performed at 1:1 molar ratio of methane and carbon dioxide at continuous flow in a bed-fix stainless-steel reactor under atmospheric pressure and 650 degrees C. Catalysts were pretreated in situ under hydrogen flow from ambient to temperature of reaction. Preliminary results showed that Ce- and La-based catalysts supported on mesoporous carbons exhibit higher activity and a better stability in comparison of analogous catalysts supported on SBA-15 and KIT-16.