Catalytic performance and analysis of carbon deposition in the production of synthesis gas by methane reforming with carbon dioxide -Development of NiO-MgO solid solution catalysts-

To solve the problem of carbon deposition (CD) in the reforming of methane with CO₂, a catalyst was developed with high resistance to CD. Catalytic performance and CD behavior in methane reforming reaction under atmospheric and high pressurized conditions were studied over NiO-MgO solid solution catalyst. Ni_0.03Mg_0.97O with high surface area exhibited very high resistance to CD during methane reforming under 1 atm. This resistance may be due to CO₂ activation on the interface between the metal particles and support surface. However, serious CD was observed under high pressure conditions. CD was more effectively decreased on the NiO-MgO solid solution catalyst with low surface area. The modification effect of Sn, Ge, and Ca was also studied. Addition of Sn was very effective to inhibit carbon formation via methane decomposition. In addition, the fluidized bed reactor using NiO-MgO solid solution is very effective for the synthesis gas production by methane reforming with the internal heat supply.