Methanation Activity in Relation to the Textural and Catalytic Parameters of Ni/Al2O3 Catalysts

Abstract

A range of NiO/Al2O3, solids (4.0–12.0 wt% Ni) was prepared by the impregnation technique. The textural properties of these solids were determined from nitrogen adsorption measurements at 77 K. Reduction of the solids with hydrogen was carried out 650, 675, 700 and 725 K. Some catalytic parameters for these reduced materials were determined from studies of the adsorption of hydrogen at 400 K. The methanation of carbon monoxide over these reduced materials used as catalysts was followed between 550 K and 600 K using a steady-state flow reactor. The surface area of the NiO/Al2O3 solids decreased and their mean pore radius increased with increasing content of NiO. Increasing the temperature employed for their reduction led to increased diffusion of Ni atoms to the surface with a consequent increase in their catalytic activity. A direct relationship was found between % methanation and the surface area of the reduced catalytic material expressed as m2/g (catalyst).