MCM-41 supported PdNi catalysts for dry reforming of methane

A series of bimetallic PdNi catalysts supported on mesoporous MCM-41 with different Ni content (Ni/Si ratio of 0.2–0.4) was synthesized. The effect of Pd addition to Ni-containing catalysts as well as the effect of the Ni content on the surface and catalytic properties of the catalysts was studied. The samples were characterized using various techniques, such as energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and temperature-programmed reduction. Reforming of methane with carbon dioxide was used as a test reaction. The results indicated that the addition of a small amount of Pd (0.5%) to Ni-containing catalysts leads to formation of small nano-sized, easy reducible NiO particles. Agglomeration of NiO as well as of metallic nickel phase over PdNi samples increased with increasing the Ni content. Formation of filamentous carbon over surface of spent monometallic Ni and bimetallic PdNi catalyst was observed. In spite of filamentous carbon deposition, the catalytic activity and stability of bimetallic PdNi catalysts are higher than those of monometallic Ni one. Within bimetallic system, the PdNi catalyst with Ni/Si ratio of 0.3 revealed the best performance and stability caused by presence of small nickel particles well dispersed on the catalyst surface.