Evaluation of Ni/Y2O3/Al2O3 catalysts for hydrogen production by autothermal reforming of methane

Ni/xY2O3–Al2O3 (x = 5, 10, 15, 20 wt%) catalysts were prepared by sequential impregnation synthesis. The catalytic performance for the autothermal reforming of methane was evaluated and compared with Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. The physicochemical properties of catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS), Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) and H2-temperature programmed reduction techniques (TPR). The decrease of nickel particle size and the change of reducibility were found with Y modification. The CH4 conversion increased with elevating levels of Y2O3 from 5% to 10%, then decreased with Y content from 10% to 20%. Ni/xY2O3–Al2O3 catalysts maintained high activity after 24 h on stream, while Ni/Al2O3 had a significant deactivation. The characterization of spent catalysts indicated that the addition of Y retarded Ni sintering and decreased the amount of coke.