Effect of Interfacial NiAl₂O₄ Layer and Calcination Temperature over Anodic Alumina Supported Ni Catalysts during Steam Reforming of Methane

Abstract

A metal-monolithic anodic alumina supported nickel catalyst with an interfacial NiAl₂O₄ layer was prepared to investigate its performance in the steam reforming of methane (SRM). Compared with commercial catalysts, this catalyst showed excellent SRM durability at 700°C. This is believed to result from the presence of the interfacial NiAl₂O₄ layer, which could anchor the top metallic Ni particles, and thus effectively suppress oxidation and sintering of Ni. The nickel reduced from the interfacial NiAl₂O₄ layer was found to be vital for SRM durability. By varying the preparation conditions of calcination temperature and impregnation sequence, a catalyst with an optimum interfacial NiAl₂O₄ layer was obtained. The catalyst morphologies in this study are also examined.