Autothermal reforming of methane over Ni catalysts supported over CaO-CeO2-ZrO2 solid solution

Ni catalysts supported on various solid solutions of ZrO2 with alkaline earth oxide and/or rare earth oxide were synthesized. The catalytic activities were compared for partial oxidation of methane and autothermal reforming of methane. For partial oxidation of methane, the Ni catalyst supported on a CaO-ZrO2 solid solution showed a high activity. Incorporation of CaO in the ZrO2 matrix was effective for increasing the reduction rate of the NiO particles and for decreasing the coke formation. On the other hand, the Ni particles supported on the CaO-CeO2-ZrO2 solid solution had a strong interaction with the support, and the Ni particles showed high activity and stability for autothermal reforming of methane. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.