Ni-BASED CATALYSTS SUPPORTED IN MgAl2O4: Comparative study of One-pot and impregnation methods
Microwaves, Dry reform, Urea, Combustion
This work evaluates the fuel concentration and the method of synthesis of catalysts for dry reforming methane. The catalysts were synthesized via microwaves, using urea as fuel with a concentration between 25 and 100% of stoichiometric; also, the impregnation method was used to incorporate the nickel for two of these catalysts, that were appointed Ni-MgAl (IBT); Ni-MgAl (IAT) where IAT make reference for high content of urea and IBT for lower urea content. The others two catalysts Ni-MgAl(OBT) e Ni-MgAl(OAT) was synthesized by One Pot, keeping the same urea concentration such as used in the catalysts impregnated. The catalysts was characterized by X Ray Diffraction (XRD), Specific Area (BET), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Temperature-Programmed Reduction (TPR). According to XDR, the material with high urea content presented crystal structures and well defined phases (NiO, MgO, NiAl2O4 and MgAl2O4 ), demonstrating that the fuel concentration interferes in crystallinity, already the BET showed that this material has low superficial area, which is normal for this type of oxide. The catalysts prepared with low urea content demonstrated through XRD amorphous feature, however, the refinement by the Rietveld method, indicated the presence of the same phases that others two catalysts with high urea content. This occurs most likely due to incomplete combustion, once time that urea content was low. The result of catalysts tests showed considerable percentages of conversion of methane into synthesis gas ate 750°C