Unrevealing the influence that preparation and reaction parameters have on Ni/Al2O3 catalysts for dry reforming of methane

Six types of alumina-support Ni catalysts were studied in dry reforming of methane to find out the influence that calcination rate, calcination temperature, and reduction temperature had on the activity and stability of the catalysts. BET, XRD, H 2 -TPR, TGA-DTA were carried out to analyzed the physicochemical properties of these catalysts. The H 2 -TPR results indicated that the proper parameters in preparing and reaction process could increase the amount of Ni reduced from NiAl 2 O 4 . And Ni reduced from NiAl 2 O 4 could decrease the amount of inert carbon forming on catalysts' surfaces, so it was crucial to Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalysts’ performance. Also, the results showed that the best condition was 5 °C/min calcination rate, 600 °C calcination temperature, and 700 °C reduction temperature. With this condition, TGA-DTA results showed that carbon deposition could be less and active. • The content of Ni γ from NiAl 2 O 4 spinel have a significant influence on catalysts' stability. • Ni γ could decrease the amount of filament carbon and graphite carbon. • The calcination rate could regulate NiAl 2 O 4 spinel's content and reducibility. • The calcination temperature could influence the content of NiAl 2 O 4 spinel.