Effect of NiO Loading and Thermal Treatment Duration on Performance of Ni/SBA-15 Catalyst in Combined Steam and CO₂ Reforming of CH₄

Abstract

A series of Ni/SBA-15 catalysts was prepared by impregnation method. Effect of NiO content (30–60 mass%), calcination time (0.5–2 h at 800°C), and reduction time (1–2 h at 800°C) on catalytic performance in combined steam and CO₂ reforming of CH₄ (CSCRM) was studied. N₂ physisorption measurements, powder X-ray diffraction, Hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction, CO₂-temperature-programmed desorption, and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate physico-chemical properties of the catalysts. The catalytic performance of Ni/SBA-15 in CSCRM was assessed in the temperature range of 550–800°C. The results revealed suitable time for calcination and reduction being 0.5 h and 1.5 h, respectively. After these treatments, 40 mass% NiO/SBA-15 catalyst was more active and exhibited higher activity than others. At 750°C, conversion of CH₄ and CO₂ on this catalyst in CSCRM was 91.05% and 78.11%, respectively. High surface area, better reducibility, and good affinity with CO₂ contribute to the high performance of this catalyst.