Effect of Surface Modified Supports on Resistance to Oxidation of Ni Catalysts in Reaction of Methane Steam Reforming

It is an important reason of catalyst deactivation that Ni-based catalysts generate NiAl₂O₄ spinel at high temperature in reaction of methane steam reforming (MSR). The present work intended to synthesize the Ni-based catalysts by the wet impregnation on the supports surface modified with ZrO₂ or rare earth oxides. After calcined at as high as 900℃ or 1200℃, the prepared catalysts were also characterized by the XRD, H₂-TPR techniques and catalyst activity experiments. The results showed that the surface modified by material of Zr and rare earth elements could lead to the formation of MgAl₂O₄, ZrAlO or Zr (Al₂O₄)₂ species, which inhibited the interaction of Ni with Al₂O₃ to form NiAl₂O₄ spinel. Therefore the high-temperature stability of Ni catalysts was improved.