Mg–Al Layered Double Hydroxide Intercalated with [Ni(edta)]2− Chelate as a Precursor for an Efficient Catalyst of Methane Reforming with Carbon Dioxide

Abstract

Coprecipitation of Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺ with pre-synthesized [Ni(edta)]²⁻ chelate at basic pH resulted in formation of a new layered double hydroxide (LDH) where [Ni(edta)]²⁻ species occupied the interlayer space. The synthesized LDH was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, diffuse reflectance FTIR and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis under inert and oxidative atmosphere. Calcination of LDH led to NiMgAl mixed oxide which after reduction with hydrogen exhibited high catalytic function toward the reaction of methane reforming with carbon dioxide to synthesis gas. The catalyst maintained high activity within 150 h time on stream at 800°C and could be used repeatedly after regeneration. Although coke deposition onto the catalyst surface attained 5–10 wt%, it did not diminish reagent conversion and product selectivity.