Ni supported on γ-Al2O3 promoted by Ru for the dry reforming of methane in packed and monolithic reactors

Dry reforming (DRM) is as an efficient way for CH4 and CO2 valorisation because the produced syn-gas has an H-2/CO ratio equal to that suitable for the synthesis of oxygenated hydrocarbons and synthetic fuels. The development of Ni (10 wt%) based structured and unstructured catalysts promoted by a small amount of Ru (0.5 wt%) for DRM has been investigated. Unstructured catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation method and a combination of wash coating-wet impregnation methods was used for cordierite monoliths. Samples were characterized by XRD, BET, H-2-TPR, TEM, FE-SEM, XPS techniques and the catalytic activity for DRM was evaluated in the temperature range 600-800 degrees C. The catalyst stability was followed at 800 degrees C during time on stream. Ru promoted catalyst (Ni-Ru) was remarkable active and stable whereas Ni catalyst deactivated due to the formation of Ni2+-containing inactive phases. Ni-Ru monolith was initially much more active than monometallic Ni stating the positive effect of Ru on maintaining Ni reduced. Reaching steady state condition, Ni rapidly deactivated due to carbon formation, whereas Ni-Ru monolith remained stable confirming that Ru behaves as an efficient and cheap promoter of Ni for DRM. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.