Effects of Ni content of Ni/hydroxyapatite catalysts on catalytic properties for carbon dioxide reforming of methane

Carbon dioxide reforming of methane to synthesis gas was investigated with a series of Ni catalysts supported on Hydroxyapatite (HAp) prepared by chemical precipitation at low temperature. The structure and properties of the catalysts were characterized using BET, H2-TPR, XRD, SEM, FT-IR, TEM and TG-DTA techniques. The 13% NiO/HAp showed the highest activity for catalytic carbon dioxide reforming of methane to synthesis gas. Under the condition of an atmospheric pressure at 850°C and a gas hour space velocity (GHSV) of 3.6 × 104 mL/(h·gcat), the conversion of CH4 and CO2 over 13% Ni/HAp catalyst remained almost constant, at about 72% and 83%, for 10 h, respectively, which was ascribed to strong metal-support interaction. Most of the carbonaceous deposits on the catalyst surface were in whisker form, which did not cover the active sites and then had limited influence on the catalyst activity and stability.