The preparation and characterization of Ni/MgO/a-Al2O3 monolith catalyst for the catalytic partial oxidation of CH4

• Main Authors: Chua, Marc Chester, Ngo, Prince Vincent, Te, Kenevvy
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Catalysts; Chemical Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/5764
• Institution: De La Salle University

The use of both the NiO/MgO/a-Al2O3 monolith catalyst and the autothermal reverse flow reactor for the catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPOM) is a viable option to the production of synthesis gas because of its suitability to overcome obstacles both from the catalyst and reactor perspective. Research into this possible option is still in its early stages and only a few studies have been made regarding this topic. In this study, the effect of percent loading, catalyst to binder ratio and calcination temperature was investigated using Ni/MgO/a-Al2O3, catalysts deposited on a cordierite monolith using the dip slurry method. The catalysts prepared were tested using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), Branauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) Analyzer, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). NiO-MgO solid solution and a non-uniform distribution of Ni on the surface of various sections of the monolith cordierite, concentrated mostly at the middle, were observed for all the samples. The Ni/MgO/a -Al2O3, monolith catalyst with catalyst to binder ratio of 1:2, calcination temperature of 900°C, and 2% Ni loading was able to give a high surface area, high pore volume, and high durability in comparison with the other samples prepared. This catalyst was then further tested using TPD (Temperature Programmed Desorption) and showed that the Ni/MgO/a-Al2O3 catalyst have high basic sites compared to acidic sites. Further study on the activity of the monolith catalyst, effect of reduction temperature and other preparation techniques are recommended.