Activity and Characterization of Alkali Doped Ni/MgO Catalysts

Ni/MgO catalysts have been prepared and their reactivity in methane steam reforming reaction has been evaluated as a function of pretreatment and reaction conditions. The effects of alkali doping (Li and K) on the catalytic functionality and surface properties have been investigated. The catalysts were characterized by different techniques (H2 chemisorption, TPR, TEM and SEM with EDAX). Alkali strongly affect catalytic activity with the Li being more toxic than K. A good correlation was found between metal surface area and catalytic activity of doped catalysts. An interpretation of the behaviour of alkali doped catalysts, based on the geometric effect of alkali, is proposed.