Effect of La2O3 added to NiO/Al2O3 catalyst on partial oxidation of methane to syngas

Partial oxidation of methane to syngas has been studied over NiO/Al2O3 catalyst promoted with La2O3. Addition of La2O3 can lower the ignition temperature of the reaction, which plays an important role in the initial reaction process. Furthermore, it is indicated by TPR and XRD measurements that addition of La2O3 undermines the interaction between NiO and Al2O3 to form new species of LaNiO3 after calcination at 800 degrees C in air. 2%La2O3 added to NiO/Al2O3 not only is the optimal content for catalytic activity, but also efficiently inhibits the carbon deposition on the surface of catalyst in combination with CaO.