Co-precipitated Ni–Mg–Al catalysts containing Ce for CO2 reforming of methane

Ni–Ce/Mg–Al catalysts were synthesized by means of the carbonate co-precipitation method and subsequent calcination at 500 °C. XRD, XPS, SEM, H2-TPR and CO2-TPD were used in order to describe completely the structural, morphological and surface characteristics of the oxides. Ce and Mg had a synergic effect on the CO2 adsorption capacity of the solids; therefore the incorporation of Ce has promoted the basicity of oxides and their catalytic activity in CO2 reforming of methane. However, the use of high loads of Ce, which form surface coatings, notoriously reduce the superficial area of the solid and favors the formation of NiO-free with the consequent negative impact on the selectivity and an increase in the formation of coke. The catalyst with molar ratio of Al/Ce = 24 showed the highest conversion and was stable up to 50 h of reaction at 700 °C and 48 Lg−1 h−1.