Nickel-Based Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane in the Absence/Presence of H2S: Effect of SiO2 and Cu

Abstract

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) can utilize methane and carbon dioxide to produce synthesis gas. The nickel-based catalysts used in the DRM are easily poisoned by H₂S in the feed gas. This study evaluated the effect of SiO₂ and Cu on the Ni/Al₂O₃ catalyst during DRM in the absence/presence of H₂S. XRD, N₂ adsorption/desorption, TEM, XPS, H₂-TPR, CO₂-TPD, and TGA were used to characterize the catalysts. The results show that in the absence of H₂S, adding SiO₂ can effectively reduce the amount of coke on the catalyst surface, whereas adding Cu can effectively change the nature of coke to more reactive filament carbon. The presence of H₂S facilitates coke deposition on the catalyst surface. The synergistic effect of strengthening the metal–support interaction by SiO₂ and absorbing H₂S by Cu results in simultaneous coke and sulfur resistance of the NiAl1Si3Cu catalyst.