Compared activity and stability of three Ni-silica catalysts for methane bi- and dry reforming

A low weight % of Ni (5 wt %) and the two solvents technique of deposition are used to obtain well-dispersed Ni-species (either particles or species dispersed on the silica surface) and avoid the formation of large particles on three silicas SBA-15, Aerosil 300 and diatoms MN3. Stability tests at 650°C for valorization of methane obtained from natural or shale gas: methane dry reforming and at 800°C for bireforming are compared. For bireforming (steady state, 800°C, 10 h, CH₄/CO₂/H₂O 1:0.4:0.8, 62,700 ml·g^-1·h^-1), an unexpected stability of Ni/Aerosil silica is observed and tentatively associated with the pretreatment applied to silica.