A highly effective and stable nano-sized Ni/MgO–Al2O3 catalyst for gas to liquids (GTL) process

Highly active and stable nano-sized Ni catalysts supported on MgO–Al2O3 prepared from hydrotalcite-like materials have been designed for the combined steam and carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CSCRM), which is a useful process to adjust the H2/CO ratio for Fischer–Tropsch process. Ni/MgO–Al2O3 exhibits remarkable coke resistance, while commercial Ni/MgAl2O4 catalyst shows considerable coke deposition during the target reaction. A strong metal to support interaction (SMSI) of Ni/MgO–Al2O3 enhances coke resistance. The change of the surface area and NiO crystallite size with varying the pre-calcination temperature of support was investigated in relation to the coke resistance. It has been concluded that highly dispersed Ni metal pre-calcined at 800 °C shows good coke resistance and high activity. As a consequence, Ni/MgO–Al2O3 catalyst will be a promising catalyst in CSCRM for the GTL process.