Steam Methane Reforming Using an Anodic Alumina Supported Nickel Catalyst (Ni/Al₂O₃/Alloy): Analysis of Catalyst Deactivation

Abstract

A plate-type metal-monolithic anodic alumina supported nickel catalyst (Ni/Al₂O₃/Alloy) was employed to investigate the reactivity and the catalyst deactivation in the SMR reaction, and several methods of activation treatments were proposed. After H₂ reduction, a fresh Ni/Al₂O₃/Alloy catalyst only provided a short-term SMR activity, and then quickly deactivated. The oxidation of metallic nickel with steam into oxidation state was believed to be the most serious reason for the catalyst deactivation. After the second H₂ reduction, a deactivated catalyst (or a catalyst with the treatments of H₂ reduction and subsequent air oxidation) was observed to provide a more favorable SMR stability, compared a reduced fresh catalyst.