Influence of the presence of ruthenium on the activity and stability of Co–Mg–Al-based catalysts in CO₂ reforming of methane for syngas production

Hydrogen production by methane dry reforming is an important yet challenging process. A performing catalyst will favor the thermodynamic equilibrium while ensuring good hydrogen selectivity. We hereby report the synthesis of Co_xMg_6−xAl₂ (with x = 2 and 6) mixed oxide catalysts synthesized via hydrotalcite precursors and the synthesis of a ruthenium-based catalyst on a cobalt, magnesium, and aluminum mixed oxide supports Ru/Co_xMg_6−xAl₂ (with x = 2 and 6). The impregnation of ruthenium on the hydrotalcites was performed in two ways: by impregnation on the dried hydrotalcite and by memory effect on hydrotalcite calcined at 500 °C. The deposition of ruthenium by memory effect of the magnesium and cobalt support allows the generation of both metallic and basic sites which provides an active and stable catalyst for the dry reforming reaction of methane.