Design of active and stable NiCeO2ZrO2MgAl2O4 dry reforming catalysts

Abstract An active and stable NiCeO 2 ZrO 2 MgAl 2 O 4 catalyst for dry reforming in severe coking conditions (CO 2 /CH 4  = 1.1, GHSV = 32,000 h −1 , 670 °C and 1.5 bar) was developed by combining conventional and combinatorial research strategies using high-throughput experimentation. A D-optimal design was applied to setup statistically verified models for catalytic activity ( X C H 4 , X C O 2 ) , selectivity (H 2 /CO molar ratio) and stability (coke resistance) as function of the selected input factors, viz . the amount of active element and amount of promoters. The importance of selecting the proper objective function R and appropriate unit to express the amount of coke deposited are discussed in detail. Via the most reliable objective function R an optimal catalyst composition area is obtained, where catalysts combine high activity with a long service lifetime. It was recognized that stable dry reforming occurs only with a subtle balance of the catalyst composition. Best dry reforming performances are achieved with catalyst compositions having low Ni (2 wt%), ZrO 2 ( 2 (>3 wt%) content.