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Dipl. Ing. Matthias Mayerhofer Technische Universität München ...

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20 Nickel Based Catalysts<br />

3 Nickel Based catalysts<br />

Introduction:<br />

The most commonly preferred for the reforming of methane and hydrocarbons.<br />

General Composition of Ni-based Catalysts, which is shown schematically below, Figure 10:<br />

a) Ni element which is considered as the active site of the catalyst<br />

b) Support to give mechanical strength and protection<br />

c) Promoter to ensure the economical operations (Mg, alkali metals such as potassium).<br />

CnHm+H2O<br />

CeO2<br />

Promoter<br />

Ni<br />

γ-Al2O3<br />

CO+CH4+H2<br />

Figure 10: Composition of Ni-based catalysts<br />

Support<br />

Although in some studies it was reported that the Ni content of the catalyst affects the decomposition<br />

of the hydrocarbons. The catalyst A1 containing ~13 wt % Ni was more effective (90%) than<br />

the catalyst B which contained ~2 wt% Ni (Hepola,1997a). In other the contradictory result was<br />

concluded, all olivine impregnated catalysts resulted in similar tar decomposition (~76%) although<br />

the Ni content was different (3 or 6 wt% Ni) (Zhang,2007). It is important to mention that in both<br />

cases synthetic gas was used with toluene as a tar model compound.<br />

Supports protect the catalyst from sintering and carbon deposition if a strong nickel-support interaction<br />

exists initially, as they provide a high surface area.<br />

The most commonly tested supports for steam reforming are:<br />

i. Zirconia based which is active in tar decomposition and has a minor tendency towards coking<br />

and deactivation by sulfur. However, it has moderate effect on ammonia decomposition<br />

and a low activity regarding lower hydrocarbons (Rönkkönen,2011b).<br />

ii. Olivine contains iron so the stabilization of Ni is enhanced. The hardness,<br />

density and basicity of the catalyst are compatible with the gasification environment. It also<br />

accelerates the reaction of steam with absorbed gaseous species. Olivine is has natural<br />

characteristics, such as hardness, density and basicity, that could be combined with high<br />

effectiveness of nickel to obtain a very promising catalyst (Zhang,2007). In some tests it

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