Carbon deposition on Ni/Al2O3 catalysts doped with small amounts of molybdenum

High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used in the study of the structure of carbon deposits obtained on Ni/Al2O3 and Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalysts during steam reforming of n-butane. The introduction of small amounts of molybdenum compounds (less than or equal to 1 wt% of Mo) into the nickel catalysts greatly improved their resistance to coking. The morphology of carbon is similar on both catalysts. On the Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst much lower numbers of Ni particles were observed that are active in the carbon filaments growth. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.