Hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to methane over mesoporous nickel-M-alumina (M = Fe, Ni, Co, Ce, and La) xerogel catalysts

Mesoporous nickel(30 wt%)-M(10 wt%)-alumina xerogel (30Ni10MAX) catalysts with different second metal (M = Fe, Ni, Co, Ce, and La) were prepared by a single-step sol–gel method for use in the methane production from carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In the methanation reaction, yield for CH 4 decreased in the order of 30Ni10FeAX > 30Ni10NiAX > 30Ni10CoAX > 30Ni10CeAX > 30Ni10LaAX. Experimental results revealed that CO dissociation energy of the catalyst and H 2 adsorption ability of the catalyst played a key role in determining the catalytic performance of 30Ni10MAX catalyst in the methanation reaction. Optimal CO dissociation energy of the catalyst and large H 2 adsorption ability of the catalyst were favorable for methane production. Among the catalysts tested, 30Ni10FeAX catalyst with the most optimal CO dissociation energy and the largest H 2 adsorption ability exhibited the best catalytic performance in terms of conversion of CO and yield for CH 4 in the methanation reaction. The enhanced catalytic performance of 30Ni10FeAX was also due to a formation of nickel–iron alloy and a facile reduction.