Preparation and Characterization of Ni/ZrTiAlO x Catalyst via Sol-Gel and Impregnation Methods for Low Temperature Dry Reforming of Methane.

Recently, the dry reforming of methane (DRM) has received much attention as a conversion technology of greenhouse gases. Ni-based catalysts supported on ternary metal oxide composite (ZrTiAlO_x) were prepared to improve the coke resistance properties in the DRM (CH₄:CO₂ = 1) at low temperature. The ZrTiAlO_x supports with different ratios of Zr/Ti were prepared through the modified Pechini sol-gel method, and then the Ni was impregnated on the synthesized support via the incipient wetness impregnation method. Considering the Zr/Ti ratios, different catalytic activity and durability in the DRM were identified. The Ni/ZrTiAlO_x catalyst with Zr/Ti of 2 exhibited enhanced coke inhibition property compared to the others at low temperature DRM for 50 h. The catalysts with a high Zr/Ti ratio under the same condition were rapidly deactivated, while the catalyst with a low Zr/Ti ratio showed deficient activity. It was found from temperature-programmed surface reactions (TPSR) and DRIFTS (Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy) analysis that the addition of Ti has led in to higher catalytic stability at Zr/Ti = 2, which could be as a result of oxygen vacancies generated by the ternary metal oxides. Ni/ZrTiAlO_x catalyst with ratio of Zr/Ti = 2 showed high stability and good catalytic activity towards DRM for the production of syngas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]