Enhancing the catalytic performance and coke reduction using low-cost Ni-based promoted catalyst for hydrogen production

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a highly promising reforming technology that facilitates converting CO₂-rich natural gas into synthesis gas. However, the commercial application of DRM has concerns such as carbon deposition and sintering of the catalyst at high temperatures, leading to catalyst deactivation. This study aimed to determine the effect of an alkaline promoter addition on the amount of carbon deposited and activity test of alkaline-promoted nickel-based catalysts. Alkaline-promoted nickel-based catalysts were prepared using the incipient wetness impregnation method, followed by characterization using X-ray diffraction, N₂ physisorption, H₂-TPR, CO₂-TPD, and thermogravimetric analysis. The performances of the catalysts were tested in a fixed-bed reactor under atmospheric pressure at 700 °C for 240 min. The Mg-promoted catalyst yielded the highest CH₄ conversion (78%), CO₂ conversion (64%), and H₂ to CO ratio (1.52) compared to the non-promoted nickel-based and other alkaline-promoted catalysts. Furthermore, the thermogravimetric analysis revealed the Mg and Na-promoted catalyst produced 1.2 and 3.5 times less carbon than a commercial steam reforming catalyst.