Syngas production from CO2 reforming of methane using Ce-doped Ni-catalysts obtained from hydrotalcites by reconstruction method Original Research Article

Ce-doped Ni, Mg and Al hydrotalcites were synthesized through the reconstruction method in the presence of the [Ce(EDTA)]− complex. The hydrotalcites and the mixed oxides derived after their thermal decomposition at 500 °C (16 h) were characterized by XRD, TGA-DTA, ICPS, IR, Raman, SEM-EDX, TEM, TPR-H2, TPD-CO2, XPS and N2 sorptometry. The reconstruction of the mixed oxide is not total in [Ce(EDTA)]− solutions with Ce between 1 and 10%wt. The hydrotalcite is reconstructed as hydroxyl-type phase; the reconstruction takes place in the external edges of the oxide granules. The complex is deposited, with high distribution, on the external surface of the reconstructed layered structure as species of Ce4+ and after the calcination generates surface CeO2-doped periclase oxides. Solids were used in the production of syngas through CO2 reforming of methane (CH4:CO2:Ar 5/5/40) using a total fixed flow of 50 mL min−1 and WHSV = 30 L g−1 h−1 between 500 and 800 °C with prior reduction. The increase in the Ce load had a promoter effect in catalytic conversions. H2/CO ratios between 0.8 and 1.2 were obtained. Ce had a positive effect in the elimination of coke, since a nominal optimal value of 3%wt. was obtained.