CHARACTERIZATION OF SIO2-SUPPORTED NICKEL-CATALYSTS FOR CARBON-DIOXIDE REFORMING OF METHANE

The CO2-methane reformation reaction over Ni/SiO2 catalysts has been e xtensively studied using a range of temperature-programmed techniques and characterisation of the catalysts by thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate a strong correlation between the microstructure of the catalyst and it s performance The role of both CO2 and CH4 in the reaction has been in vestigated and the role of methyl radicals in the reaction mechanism h ighlighted. A reaction mechanism involving dissociatively adsorbed CO2 and methyl radicals has been proposed.