Effect of base promoter on activity of MCM-41-supported nickel catalyst for hydrogen production via dry reforming of methane

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is considered a promising reforming technology that converts natural gas in the Natuna Sea into synthesis gas, which can be further utilized to produce beneficial chemicals such as olefins, alcohols, and liquid hydrocarbons. However, the challenges in commercializing the DRM process are carbon deposition and sintering of the catalyst at high temperatures, because of which the catalyst is easily deactivated. This study aimed to test the activity and stability of MCM-41-based catalysts for the DRM; determine the effect of promoter type on the activity and stability of MCM-41-based catalysts; and determine the effect of base promoter addition on the amount of carbon deposition. MCM-41-based catalysts were synthesized using incipient wetness impregnation method. XRD, N₂ Physisorption, H₂-TPR, CO₂-TPD, and TGA analysis were conducted to determine the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. The catalysts activity was tested in a fixed-bed reactor, under atmospheric pressure at 700 °C. Overall, all catalysts exhibited good stability for 240 min. Moreover, catalysts with Mg and Ca promoters showed the highest CH₄ and CO₂ conversion among all catalysts. Ni–Mg/MCM-41 catalyst yielded 72% CH₄ conversion and 54% CO₂ conversion, meanwhile Ni–Ca/MCM-41 yielded 69% CH₄ conversion and 55% CO₂ conversion. Furthermore, MCM-41-based catalysts with base promoter produced small amount of carbon deposition.