Dry reforming of methane over Ni_xMg_6-xAl_1.8La_0.2 catalysts

Two Ni_xMg_6-xAl_1.8La_0.2 (x=0,2) catalysts were synthesized via hydrotalcite route and calcined at 800oC. For comparison, a second Ni_xMg_6-xAl_1.8La_0.2 (x=2) was also prepared via hydrotalcite route but with hydrothermal treatment to evaluate the difference between conventional preparation and preparation with hydrothermal treatment. Physico-chemical characterizations were conducted before and after calcination. These characterization techniques included X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR). The catalytic performance of these catalysts was also tested in the Dry Reforming of Methane (DRM). Catalytic test results of the more efficient catalyst were compared to the results of a similar Ni_xMg_6-xAl₂ catalyst such as to evaluate the role of lanthanum doping and its impact on the catalytic activity of the catalysts. It was found that the addition of lanthanum resulted in improved catalytic activity in the DRM reaction. This improvement can be attributed to the formation of more basic sites and the presence of La₂O₃ after calcination which reduces coke formation.