Carbon dioxide reforming of methane over Ni on alumina catalysts. Influence of the support.

The effect of the support structure on the stability a;nd catalytic activit y in the CO2 reforming of methane was studied for the case of nickel-based alumina catalysts, In addition to three commercial aluminas, four different kinds of alumina were prepared, starting from the aluminum secbutoxide, as candidate supports. The microstructural evolution and related phase transi tions of the supports, catalyst precursors, and catalysts tested was follow ed during both the preparation route and the mentioned reaction at 600 degr ees C anti 1 bar of total pressure Strong influence of the support on the c atalytic behavior was observed. In addition, satisfactory performance of a specific methane steam reforming commercial catalyst is reported.