Cobalt catalysts prepared from hydrotalcite precursors and tested in methane steam reforming

Catalysts were prepared from hydrotalcite precursors, then characterized and tested for methane steam reforming. The precursors were synthesized by the traditional technique, based on co-precipitation of Co, Mg and Al nitrates with carbonate; by co-precipitation of Mg and Al nitrates with pre-synthesized cobalt chelate and by anion-exchange of hydrotalcite NO3− with cobalt chelate. The oxides were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction with H2, catalytic tests and elemental analysis. The catalysts, tested in methane steam reforming, showed stability and activity at a feed molar ratio H2O:CH4 = 2:1.