Effect of a promoter on the methanation activity of a Mo-based sulfur-resistant catalyst

The effect of adding Co, Ni or La on the methanation activity of a Mo-based sulfur-resistant catalyst was investigated. As promoters, Co, Ni and La all improved the methanation activity of a 15% MoO3/Al2O3 catalyst but to different extents. Similar improvements were also found when Co, Ni or La was added to a 15% MoO3/25%-CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst. The promotion effects of Co and Ni were better than that of La. However, the catalytic methanation activity deteriorated the most with time for the Ni-promoted catalyst. The used catalysts were analyzed by nitrogen adsorption measurement, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.