Effects of Yb2O3 promotor on the performance of Ni/SiC catalysts in CO2 reforming of CH4

Ni/SiC and Ni-Ybx/SiC (x=2%, 4%, 6%, 10%) catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method, and the performances of catalysts in the carbon dioxide reforming of methane were studied in a fixed-bed reactor. The catalysts were characterized by BET, ICP-AES, XRD, H2-TPR, TG-DTA, XPS and TEM techniques. The experimental results indicate that the appropriate addition amount of Yb is 4% to 6%. Ni-Yb4/SiC and Ni-Yb6/SiC catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic activity and stability at 800°C, and the conversion of CH4 and CO2 can be maintained over 90% during the 100 h testing. Yb2O3 promotor can inhibit the growth of nickel nanoparticles and reduce the amount of carbon deposition, therefore Ni-Yb/SiC catalysts show stable activity in the continuous reforming reaction.