Oxidative steam reforming of methane over Ni/α-Al₂O₃ modified with trace Pd

Ni catalysts supported on α-Al₂O₃ modified with small amounts of Pd were prepared by different impregnation methods to investigate catalytic performance and catalyst bed temperature profile in oxidative steam reforming of methane. The Pd + Ni bimetallic catalysts prepared by the co-impregnation method showed higher resistance to hot-spot formation than monometallic Ni and bimetallic Pd/Ni catalysts prepared by two sequential impregnations, in particular, Pt + Ni catalysts prepared by the co-impregnation method. The additive effect of Pd on the Pd/Ni catalysts was discussed on the bases of metal particle size and structural analysis by Pd K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS).