STRUCTURE ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS IN COPRECIPITATED NICKEL-ALUMINA CATALYSTS USING CO2 ADSORPTION AND METHANATION/

A series of coprecipitated Ni/Al2O3 catalysts containing 0-25 wt.-% Ni were examined for total surface area, total pore volume, metal surfac e area, CO2 adsorption and CO2 methanation activity in order to study the relation between metal content, structure and catalyst activity. C oprecipitated Ni/Al2O3 catalysts are found to be efficient promoters f or methanation. Methanation activity is dependent on the nickel conten t and the degree of CO2 adsorption at the reaction considered. Althoug h Al2O3 does not exhibit methanation activity, it is found to be activ e for CO2 adsorption. Reverse spillover increases methane production p er unit nickel surface particularly for catalysts with low Ni loadings .