Ni/x%Nb2O5/Al2O3 Catalysts Prepared via Coprecipitation-Wet Impregnation Method for Methane Steam Reforming

Abstract

Background: Hydrogen has been considered the energy source of the future and one of the processes for its production is the methane steam reforming. The catalyst used industrially is Ni/Al2O3 and the addition of promoter oxides can be an alternative to improve the performance of this catalyst, which suffers from coke formation and sintering. Objective: Evaluate the role of niobia on catalytic activity and stability. Methods: Ni/x%Nb2O5/Al2O3 (x = 5, 10 and 20) catalysts were synthesized via coprecipitation-wet impregnation method and characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature- programmed reduction (TPR), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (TPD-NH3), etc. Finally, the catalysts were tested for methane steam reforming reaction. Results: All niobia-doped catalysts presented similar values of methane conversion and when comparing with Ni-Al, the addition of niobia slightly improved the methane conversion. In the stability test at 800oC, all doped and non-doped catalysts did not deactivate during the 24 h of reaction. Conclusion: The addition of 10 and 20 wt.% of niobia had a significant promoter effect over Ni/Al2O3 catalyst in terms of activity and stability at 800 oC and the sample with 20 wt.% of niobia presented lower coke formation.