Characteristics of La-modified Ni-Al2O3 and Ni-SiO2 catalysts for COx-free hydrogen production by catalytic decomposition of methane

Hydrotalcite precursors of La modified Ni-Al2O3 and Ni-SiO2 catalysts prepared by co-precipitation method and the catalytic activities were examined for the production of COx-free H2 by CH4 decomposition. Physico-chemical characteristics of fresh, reduced and used catalysts were evaluated by XRD, TPR and O2 pulse chemisorptions, TEM and BET-SA techniques. XRD studies showed phases due to hydrotalcite-like precursors in oven dried form produced dispersed NiO species upon calcination in static air above 450 ◦ C. Raman spectra of deactivated samples revealed the presence of both ordered and disordered forms of carbon. Ni-La-Al2O3 catalyst with a mole ratio of Ni : La : Al = 2 : 0.1 : 0.9 exhibited tremendously high longevity with a hydrogen production rate of 1300 molH2 ·mol −1 Ni . A direct relationship between Ni metal surface area and hydrogen yields was established.