Reforming of Biogas over Co- and Cu-Promoted Ni/Al2O3-ZrO2 Nanocatalyst Synthesized via Sequential Impregnation Method

Utilization of active and stable nanocatalyst could have enormous advantages in industrial application of biogas reforming. In order to achieve this goal, the effects of Cu and Co as promoters were investigated over physical-chemical properties of Ni/Al2O3-ZrO2 nanocatalyst in reforming of biogas. The sequential impregnation was used for preparation of nanocatalysts. The nanocatalysts were characterized using XRD, FESEM, BET and FTIR analysis. The XRD patterns displayed that the active phases promoters could be effective on nanoparticles dispersion. The FESEM images showed that uniformity of particle size had improved for bimetallic nanocatalysts in comparison with Ni/Al2O3-ZrO2 nanocatalyst. However, the specific surface areas showed no significant change in BET analysis. Higher content of – OH structural groups on surface of Ni-Co/Al2O3-ZrO2 nanocatalyst were proved by FTIR characterization. The performances of nanocatalysts were assessed at atmospheric pressure, feed gas ratio of CO2/CH4= 1, GHSV=24 l/g.h and temperature ranges from 550-850°C. The results revealed that Ni-Co/Al2O3-ZrO2 nanocatalysts had the best activity. Because of optimized operating conditions and application of ZrO2 as a promoter, the activities of all nanocatalysts remained stable at 850°C for 24 h.