Nickel-based doped ceria-supported catalysts for steam reforming of methane at mild conditions

Abstract

Hydrogen is widely considered a promising green energy vector. It may be produced by steam reforming of methane which may be obtained from renewable resources such as biogas or biomass gasification. Nickel catalysts supported in ceria oxides doped with La, Pr, or Zr were used. Catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation of supports previously obtained by coprecipitation using the urea method and subsequent calcination at 600ºC. Solids were then characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, X-Ray iffraction, and oxygen storage capacity/oxygen storage capacity complete measurements. Catalysts have shown both effectiveness and stability in methane steam reforming reaction at 600ºC with a steam/methane ratio close to the stoichiometric.