The influence of rare earth oxides on Ni/Al2O3 catalysts during CO2 reforming of CH4

Abstract Rare earth oxide mixture (Ln 2 O 3 ) and La 2 O 3 give the same effects when used as promotors for Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalysts for the CO 2 reforming of methane to synthesis gas. An optimum in activity and stability was obtained for catalysts promoted with 2–5wt% Ln 2 O 3 . Catalysts promoted with Ln 2 O 3 have increased Ni-support interaction compared to pure Ni/Al 2 O 3 . This interaction is dependent on the calcination temperature used during preparation of the catalysts. Increased interaction gives less reducible catalysts and Ni appears to be continously reduced during catalytic testing even after reduction in H 2 at 1000°C for 2h.