Effect of impurity addition on the dry reforming of methane reaction in the presence of CoxNiyMgzAl2 catalysts

Abstract

The composition of a biogas produced in a landfill was analyzed using gas chromatography. Major compounds, such as CH4 and CO2, and minor compounds, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), were identified and quantified. Cobalt and nickel based materials synthesized using coprecipitation method were tested in the dry reforming of methane reaction (DRM). Toluene was selected as model molecule for VOCs. 12h-stability tests at 750°C were performed in the presence or absence of toluene in order to mimic the effect of volatile organic compounds found in biogas. Several concentrations of toluene were used during the DRM tests. The effect of this molecule on the catalytic performance was determined. Used samples were characterized by thermal analysis (DTA-TG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that even though the presence of toluene did affect the activity and selectivity of the catalyst to the DRM reaction, it did not cause the direct deactivation of the material. It was concluded that the valorization of biogas in the DRM reaction is possible even before it has completed its upgrading process.