Tuning the metal-support interaction of methane tri-reforming catalysts for industrial flue gas utilization

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 45; no. 3; pp. 1911 - 1929
• Main Authors: Kumar, Rohit, Kumar, Kritagya, Pant, K.K., Choudary, N.V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 13.01.2020
• Subjects: Catalyst deactivation; CO2 conversion; Metal-support interaction; Methane reforming; Metal-support interaction; Methane reforming; CO2 conversion; Catalyst deactivation
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.11.111

This study investigates the role of metal-support interaction (MSI) in the performance of Ni/TiO2, Ni/SBA-15, Ni/MgO, and Ni/Al2O3 catalysts for the tri-reforming of methane (TRM) reaction. To impart weak metal-support interaction (WMSI), the catalysts were calcined at 400 °C. While calcination at 850 °C or above temperature generated strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) in each catalyst. The experimental results reveal that Ni/TiO2 and Ni/MgO catalysts having WMSI displayed high initial activity due to the higher extent of reduction and Ni dispersion. However, these catalysts deactivated during 10 h reaction run. On the other hand, the performances of Ni/TiO2 and Ni/MgO catalysts having SMSI were unsatisfactory. For Ni/SBA-15 catalyst system, catalysts having weaker MSI were more active than the catalyst having stronger MSI. However, the stability of Ni/SBA-15 catalysts was governed by Ni confinement in the pores of SBA-15 rather than the strength of MSI. Ni/Al2O3 having SMSI had monodispersed Ni atoms in close association with Al2O3, which resulted in higher reforming activity compared to that of Ni/Al2O3 having WMSI. Overall, the present study asserts that the strength of MSI has a significant influence on the activity and stability of methane tri-reforming catalysts; however, the suitability of either strong or weak MSI is subject to catalyst composition. •Calcination temperature affects the strength of metal-support interaction (MSI).•Strong MSI brings higher stability in Ni/MgO, Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/TiO2 catalysts.•Weak MSI results in the higher initial catalytic activity of Ni/MgO, and Ni/TiO2.•Strength of MSI influences chemical nature of carbon deposits.•Ni confinement in pores of SBA-15 dominates over MSI for Ni/SBA-15 catalysts.