Steam Reforming of C2-C4 Alkanes Over Ni–(CeO2, La2O3)–Al2O3/Cordierite Catalysts

It is shown that the steam reforming of C 2 -C 4 alkanes over nickel–aluminum catalysts in a temperature range of 300-600 °C is accompanied by the formation of methane, leading to a lower yield of hydrogen. By the addition of oxygen to the gaseous reaction mixture it is possible to increase the conversion of alkanes, to reduce the methane content, and to lessen the carbonization of the catalyst. Modification of the Ni-Al 2 O 3 catalyst with lanthanum oxide increases its stability in an oxygen environment, and modification with cerium oxide leads to increased selectivity for CO by reducing the contribution from the water gas shift reaction.