Catalytic activity of Ni on MgO-ZrO2 support for the dry reforming of methane at low temperatures

Dry reforming of methane is one of the methods used for the production of synthesis gas. Like steam reforming, this process requires the presence of a catalyst for the reaction to occur due to the high stability of methane. The most common catalyst used for this technology is nickel. However, one of the greatest problems with using this catalyst is the formation of carbon on the catalytic surface, thereby deactivating the catalyst. Another problem would be the energy costs that may be attributed to the extremely high temperatures (i.e. 850C and above) at which the process undergoes.This study was done in order to determine the effect of low temperatures on the catalytic activity of Ni/MgO-ZrO2 for the dry reforming of methane. The catalyst that was used for the study was nickel supported by MgO-ZrO2. The catalyst was subjected to dry reforming at three different reaction temperatures: 500C, 600C, and 700C.Results of the study showed that the catalytic activity in terms of methane conversion of Ni/MgO-ZrO2 increased with increasing temperatures. This was because carbon deposition, which leads to catalyst deactivation, usually occurs at temperatures lower than usual operating temperatures. An increase in temperature also increased the reaction rate as well as the H2 yield through H2/CO selectivity was closer to the theoretical value at reaction temperature of 600C compared to the reaction at 700C. Reactions at 500C had low stability and H2 yield and selectivity could not be obtained due to the fact that carbon monoxide and hydrogen were not detectable. With high percent methane conversions and H2 yield, reactions at 700C may be the best temperature to be used for further dry reforming studies