Effect of Cu–Mo Activities on the Ni–Cu–Mo/Al₂O₃ Catalyst for CO₂ Reforming of Methane

Abstract

A series of Ni–Cu–Mo/Al₂O₃ catalysts with different metal contents were prepared by sequential impregnation method. The performance of the catalysts for carbon dioxide reforming of methane was investigated in a quartz tubular reactor at CH₄/CO₂ ratio of 4/6, feed gas flux of 100 mL/min, catalysts 460 mg, temperature range of 600–900 °C and atmospheric pressure. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, BET, CO₂-TPD, TG, EDS and SEM. The performance and characterization results showed that the addition of Cu and Mo was beneficial for the reaction. The formation of spinel (NiMoO₄, NiAl₂O₄, Cu₆Mo₄O₁₅) and alloy (Ni₃Mo, Cu_3.8Ni) structures could significantly improve the catalytic activity and prevent the generation of carbon deposition. XRD patterns of the catalyst with the mass ratio of Ni:Mo = 0.75 after reaction suggested Mo₂C formation which could eliminate the coke and extend the stability. The catalyst with the mass ratio of Ni:Mo = 0.75 showed better activity and still remained highly active under the condition of 800 °C for 60 h. Therefore, the highly effective Ni–Cu–Mo/Al₂O₃ catalyst could be a potential catalyst for carbon dioxide reforming of methane.

Graphical Abstract