Carbon deposition on Ni/Al2O3 catalysts doped with small amounts of molybdenum Original Research Article

High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used in the study of the structure of carbon deposits obtained on Ni/Al2O3 and Ni–Mo/Al2O3 catalysts during steam reforming of n-butane. The introduction of small amounts of molybdenum compounds (≤ 1 wt% of Mo) into the nickel catalysts greatly improved their resistance to coking. The morphology of carbon is similar on both catalysts. On the Ni–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst much lower numbers of Ni particles were observed that are active in the carbon filaments growth.