Stabilisation of active nickel catalysts in partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas by iron addition Original Research Article

Mixed LaNixFe(1−x)O3 perovskite oxides (0≤x≤1) have been prepared by a sol–gel related method, characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled to an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). These systems are the precursors of highly efficient catalysts in partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas. Studies on the state of these systems after test show the stabilisation of active nickel by increasing the amount of iron. These systems permit to control the reversible migration of nickel from the structure to the surface. The best mixed perovskite for the partial oxidation of methane is LaNi0.3Fe0.7O3.