Nickel catalyst activation in the carbon dioxide reforming of methane: Effect of pretreatments

Abstract A Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalyst has been submitted to different treatments prior to catalytic test in the dry reforming of methane. The performed pretreatments are: (i) calcination + hydrogen reduction, (ii) direct hydrogen reduction and (iii) heat treatment up to the reaction temperature under inert atmosphere. The activity is not affected by the pretreatment carried out but a noticeable effect on the amount of deposited coke has been observed, probably related with an influence of the pretreatment on the size and structure of the nickel particles.