Effect of alkaline earth metal oxide on nickel catalyst for carbon dioxide reforming of methane

A study on the effect of alkaline earth metal oxide on the activity and stability of nickel catalyst for carbon dioxide reforming of methane was performed. When CaO, SrO, and BaO were used as supports, there was no difference in catalytic activity between the catalysts made by coprecipitation and impregnation. However, when MgO was used as a support, the catalyst prepared by coprecipitation showed superior activity than that made by impregnation. The higher activity of the catalyst made by coprecipitation was due to the formation of solid solution consisting of nickel and magnesium. The formation of the solid solution enhanced the dispersion of nickel and the resistance to coke formation.