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

Utilization of active and stable catalyst 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 catalyst in reforming of biogas. The sequential impregnation was used for preparation of catalysts. The catalysts 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 particles size was improved for bimetallic catalysts in comparison with Ni/Al2O3-ZrO2 catalyst but the specific surface areas had no significant change in BET analysis. Higher content of –OH structural groups on surface of Ni-Co/Al2O3-ZrO2 catalyst were proved by FTIR characterization. The performances of catalysts 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 Ni-Co/Al2O3-ZrO2 catalysts had the best activity. Because of optimized operating condition and application of ZrO2 as a promoter, the activities of all catalysts remained stable at 850°C for 24 h.