Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst from kaolinite for the dry reforming of methane

A catalyst consisting of a 5% Ni over a gamma-Al2O3 novel support was evaluated under high-temperature reaction conditions. The gamma-Al2O3-rich phase Was obtained by selective dissolution of siliceous components of heat-treated kaolinite. The support was appropriate to prepare a catalyst with high surface area (170 m(2)/g) that showed to be active and stable for dry reforming of methane at 650 degreesC and a CH4/CO2 = 0.5 molar ratio. Compared to the conventional Ni/(alpha-Al2O3 catalyst, this new material showed an improved sulfur resistance when it was reduced in hydrogen steam at the reaction temperature. In industrial conditions, CH4/CO2=1, deactivation by carbon deposition was not increased. The content and type of deposited carbon were analyzed by TPH and TPO techniques. As regeneration methods of the coked catalysts, hydrogen and oxygen carbon treatments were employed. After the treatment with hydrogen the catalyst reaches the initial activity, but with oxygen the activity only is partially regenerated. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.