High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used in the st
udy of the structure of carbon deposits obtained on Ni/Al2O3 and Ni-Mo/Al2O
3 catalysts during steam reforming of n-butane. The introduction of small a
mounts of molybdenum compounds (less than or equal to 1 wt% of Mo) into the
nickel catalysts greatly improved their resistance to coking. The morpholo
gy of carbon is similar on both catalysts. On the Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst much
lower numbers of Ni particles were observed that are active in the carbon
filaments growth. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.