Preparation, characterization, and catalytic performance comparison of Ni/LaBO3 and Ru-Ni/LaBO3 (B = Al, Fe) for methane steam reforming to hydrogen production

Abstract

The methane steam reforming (MSR) reaction is a significant process for hydrogen production, and developing catalysts with high activity and stability is crucial. In this work, the supported perovskite catalysts of Ni/LaBO₃ and Ru-Ni/LaBO₃ (B = Al, Fe) were prepared by the sol–gel method using citric acid as a gelling agent for MSR to hydrogen production. The phase composition, pore structure, and surface morphology of the prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, Brunauer–Emett–Teller, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The reaction activity and stability of the prepared catalysts were tested in the fixed-bed reactor with the temperature range of 500–800°C. The effect of Ru addition on the structure of perovskite and catalytic performance of MSR is explored. The results showed that 1wt%Ru–15wt%Ni/LaAlO₃ catalyst exhibited the most excellent activity and stability during the reaction compared with the other three catalysts. The CH₄ conversion, H₂ selectivity, and H₂ yield of the 1wt%Ru–15wt%Ni/LaAlO₃ catalyst could reach 94.68%, 79.78%, and 48.65%, respectively, under the reaction temperature of 800°C and gas hourly space velocity of 36 000 mL/(gh), which were higher than those of a commercial catalyst. It was because that the relatively large surface area of perovskite support provides more active site and the addition of Ru enable Ni to have a smaller size and more dispersion. This study could provide a reference of perovskite catalysts for hydrogen production by MSR.