Characterization of steam-reforming catalysts

Abstract

The effect of the addition of Mg and Ca to Ni/α-Al2O 3 catalysts was studied, aiming to address their role as promoters in the steam reforming reaction. Temperature-programmed reduction and H 2 and CO temperature-programmed desorption experiments indicated that Mg interacts with the metallic phase. Mg-promoted catalysts showed a greater difficulty for Ni precursor reduction besides different probe molecule (H2 and CO) adsorbed states. In the conversion of cyclohexane, Mg inhibited the formation of hydrogenolysis products. Nonetheless, the presence of Ca did not influence the metallic phase.