An investigation on the role of lanthanide promoters in promoted gamma-alumina-supported nickel catalysts for dry reforming of methane

The influence of promoters (Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and Tm) on the catalytic performance of sol-gel prepared Ni/g-Al2O3 catalysts in CO2 reforming of methane was investigated. The catalysts investigated were characterised using the following techniques: synchrotron X-Ray diffraction, X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy, a Temperature Programmed Reduction technique and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. It was found that there was almost a linear relationship between catalyst activity and the extent to which nickel was reduced in the catalysts tested.