Abstract
The oxidative dry reforming of a simulated biogas mixture was carried out from 400 to 800°C at ambient pressure. Catalytic tests were performed over 10 wt% Ni catalysts, prepared by wet impregnation, and Al2O3, CeO2, and CeO2-ZrO2 were selected as catalytic supports. The results of catalysts characterization revealed the highest specific surface area of the Ni/Al2O3 sample and the relevant reducibility of the CeO2-ZrO2 based catalyst. Activity measurements proved that Ni catalysts supported on Al2O3 assured slightly higher CH4 conversion and H2 yield, compared to the CeO2-based samples. Ni/Al2O3 catalyst was tested under conditions away from thermodynamic equilibrium and a kinetic model was developed and validated based on the results of experimental tests: in the investigated temperature interval, the kinetics of the reaction is satisfactory described by CH4 total oxidation, CH4 dry reforming and reverse water gas shift pathways.
