Preparation of egg-shell type Ni-loaded catalyst by adopting "Memory Effect" of Mg-Al hydrotalcite and its application for CH4 reforming

Ni-loaded catalyst in egg-shell type was successfully prepared by adopting "Memory Effect" of Mg-Al hydrotalcite-like compounds. Mg-Al mixed oxide particles were prepared by calcination of Mg-Al hydrotalcite and dipped in Ni(II) nitrate aqueous solution. Upon dipping, Mg-Al hydrotalcite was reconstituted in the surface layer of the particle and a part of the Mg sites was replaced by Ni. Finally egg-shell type loaded Ni catalyst was obtained after the calcination followed by the reduction of the particles. The catalyst showed a high and stable activity for autothermal CH4 reforming due to highly dispersed and stable Ni metal particles concentrated in the catalyst surface layer. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.