Comparison between the structural characteristics and process activity of bulk and mesoporous Ni-Co-Ce/Al2O3 catalysts in the dry reforming of methane

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a potential way to exploit greenhouse gases and generate hydrogen. Catalyst deactivation is the biggest DRM commercialization obstacle. Lately, Ni-Co bimetallic catalysts have demonstrated improved carbon resistance over Ni-based catalysts. The aim of this research is not just to investigate the impact of Ni-Co catalysts on the DRM activity, but also to evaluate the Ni-Co alloy creation effect on the catalyst characteristics and activity. Mesoporous alumina (MA) was used as a catalyst support for Ni-Co particles in this process and its structure and activity were compared to those of bulk alumina (BA) supported catalysts. In addition, cerium was included into all of the catalysts developed as a suitable promoter for reducing the amount of deposited coke. The results obtained from the XRD and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis indicated the formation of a mesoporous structure and nanocrystalline morphology in the Ni-Co/MA samples, as compared to the Ni-Co/BA ones. The results showed that the bimetallic 2Ni-1Co-1Ce/MA sample had the best catalytic activity, with a CH4 conversion of 98.30 %, CO2 conversion of 96.35 %, and H2 yield of 96.30 % at 700 °C. •Effect of Ni/Co mass ratio, Ce content, and Al2O3 structure were investigated.•Ce enhanced the dispersion of Ni-Co particles on both MA and BA supports.•2Ni-1Co-1Ce/MA depicted the maximum CH4 and CO2 conversion of 98.30 % and 96.35 % at 700 °C.•Coke deposition was decreased about 32 % by utilizing only 1 wt%Ce in 2Ni-1Co/MA.