Combined H2O and CO2 reforming of CH4 over Ce-promoted Ni/Al2O3 catalyst for gas to liquid (GTL) process: Enhancement of Ni–CeO2 interaction

The effect of Ni–Ce loading method on the catalytic activity and coke formation over Ce-promoted Ni/Al2O3 catalysts was investigated in combined steam and carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CSCRM) to produce synthesis gas with a H2/CO ratio of 2 for gas to liquid (GTL) process. 12 wt%Ni–6 wt%Ce/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by a co-impregnation method exhibited higher catalytic performance and less coke formation than 12 wt%Ni/6 wt%Ce/Al2O3 and 6 wt%Ce/12 wt%Ni/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by a sequential impregnation method due to the improvement of Ni dispersion and high oxygen storage capacity resulting from the intimate contact between Ni and CeO2 on the surface of the catalyst.