The effect of Nb loading on catalytic properties of Ni/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 catalyst for methane partial oxidation

In this study, the effect of Nb loading on the catalytic activity of Ce0.75Zr0.25O2-supported Ni catalysts was studied for methane partial oxidation. The catalysts were characterized by BET, H-2 chernisorption, XRD, TPR, TEM and tested for methane partial oxidation to syngas in the temperature range of 400-800 degrees C at atmospheric pressure. The results showed that the activity of methane partial oxidation on the catalysts was apparently dependent on Nb loading. It seemed that the addition of Nb lowered the catalytic activity for methane partial oxidation and increased the extent of carbon deposition. This might be due to the strong interaction between NiO and Nb-modified support and reduction of surface oxygen reducibility.