CO2 reforming of CH4 over highly active and stable yRhNix/NaY catalysts

Ni_7.5/NaY catalysts were prepared using two different methods, the incipient wetness impregnation method and the “two-solvent” method. These catalysts were characterised by N₂ sorption, XRD, TEM and TPR. Their activity and stability in the dry reforming of methane were tested at atmospheric pressure under an equimolar mixture of methane and carbon dioxide. Three different Ni species, very small, spherical, and layers of nickel silicate were observed by TEM. The preparation by the two-solvent method led to a better dispersion of the active phase as well as to better activity and stability. These catalysts were promoted with small amounts (0.1 wt%) of rhodium. Rhodium facilitates the reducibility and greatly enhances catalytic activity. A complete conversion (100%) for CH₄ and CO₂ over the Rh promoted catalyst is achieved at 584 °C and 559 °C respectively, while for the non-promoted Ni7.5/NaY catalyst, only a 60% conversion rate for CH₄ and CO₂ is reached at the same temperatures.