Development of mesoporous catalyst containing Ni-Ru-Ce for production of synthesis gas

With dry reforming of methane, the gases which cause the greenhouse effect (CH4 and CO2) are converted into synthesis gas (CO, H2). Synthesis gas (H2+ CO) which is formed as a result of the dry reforming of methane can be used as an energy source. In addition, because of the fact that the ratio of H2 to CO of the synthesis gas formed in the reaction is close to 1 (H2/CO 1), these products can also be used as a raw material in the production of liquid carbons with Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.In this study, high surface area and mesoporous MCM-41 was used as a supportive material. Catalyst supported by MCM-41 were prepared with nickel, which is VIII B metals, nickel-ruthenium metals and Ce metal as a promoter. In the first part of the study, Ni-MCM-41 catalysts were prepared by 0,1 and 0,2 Ni/Si molar ratio with direct hydrotermal synthesis method. Ru-Ni-MCM-41 catalysts are synthesized with the same synthesis method, and Ce promoter was added to these catalysts by impregnation method. In the dry reforming of methane, catalysts were subjected to reduction process during H2 gas flow before being tested.The structural and physical characteristics of the catalysts were determined by BET surface area, XRD, EDS analysises. Dry reforming of methane reaction was carried out in fixed-bed reactor system. Reaction products were analyzed by online gas chromatography. Catalytic activity data for the catalysts in dry reforming of methane were evaluated with determining the methane and CO2 conversion, selectivity and yield of H2 and CO. Surface area of Ni-MCM-41 catalyst decreased with addition of Ru and Ce metals. In XRD patterns of the catalysts were concluded as Ni which was the metalic. CH4 and CO2 conversions rose by the increase of Ni/Si molar ratio. In the catalyst that had the Ni/Si molar ratio 0,2, it was seen that with the addition of Ru, the conversion of CO2 increased and the conversion of CH4 decreased. In catalytic acitivity tests, CO2 conversion decreased with addition of Ce on the catalyst. The co-existence of Ce and Ru metals in the structure of the catalyst resulted in the maximum H2 selectivity. In this study, active and stable catalyst were developed for the production of H2 by dry reforming of methane.