Hydrogen production through combined dry reforming and partial oxidation of methane over the Ni/Al2O3–CeO2 catalysts

The study aimed to explore synergies resulting from the combination of dry reforming and partial oxidation of methane, using 10%Ni/Al2O3–CeO2 catalysts with varying CeO2 proportions (10, 30, 50, and 70 wt%). The manufacturing involved mechanochemical and impregnation methods for supports and catalysts, respectively. The inclusion of 10 wt% CeO2 played a crucial role in enhancing nickel dispersion and reinforcing interaction with the support. Particularly noteworthy was the exceptional performance of the 10%Ni/Al2O3–10%CeO2 catalyst, achieving an impressive 83% methane conversion at 700 °C, surpassing other prepared nickel-based catalysts. The introduction of a small quantity of O2 during methane dry reforming, inferred from TPO and FESEM analyses, effectively mitigated carbon deposition. Demonstrating remarkable endurance, the catalyst 10%Ni/Al2O3–10%CeO2 maintained efficacy for 440 min at 700 °C, yielding CH4 and CO2 conversion rates of 93% and 34%, respectively. Higher calcination temperatures led to nickel particle aggregation, causing a decline in catalytic efficiency.