Dry Reforming of Propane over γ-Al2O3 and Nickel Foam Supported Novel SrNiO3 Perovskite Catalyst

Abstract

The SrNiO3 perovskite catalyst was synthesized by the citrate sol-gel method and supported on γ-Al2O3 and Nickel foam, which was used to produce syngas (CO and H2) via dry reforming of propane (DRP). Several techniques characterized the physicochemical properties of the fresh and spent perovskite catalyst. The X-ray diffractograms (XRD) characterization confirmed the formation of the perovskite compound. Before the catalytic activity test, SrNiO3 perovskite catalyst was reduced in the H2 atmosphere. Results indicated that the H2 reduction slightly increased the activity of the SrNiO3 perovskite catalyst. The catalytic activity was examined for the CO2/C3H8 ratio of 3 and reaction temperatures in the range of 550 °C–700 °C. The results from the catalytic study achieved 88% conversion of C3H8 and 66% conversion of CO2 with SrNiO3/NiF at 700 °C. Also, syngas with a maximum concentration of 21 vol.% of CO and 29 vol.% of H2 was produced from the DRP. The strong basicity of SrNiO3 perovskite enhanced the CO selectivity, resulting in minimal carbon formation. Post reaction catalyst characterization showed the presence of carbon deposition which could have originated from propane decomposition.