Catalytic performance and catalyst structure of nickel-magnesia catalysts for CO₂ reforming of methane

The catalytic performance of nickel-magnesia catalysts in CO₂ reforming of methane and the factors influencing carbon deposition during the reaction were investigated by a comparative study of reduced Ni_xMg_1-xO solid solution and magnesia-supported Ni metal (Ni/MgO) catalysts. Reduced Ni_xMg_1-xO solid solution catalysts generally showed higher resistance to carbon formation than Ni/MgO. From the combination of catalytic properties with the characterization results of XRD, TEM, FTIR, and dispersion measurements, it was found that the excellent anticoking performance of reduced solid solution catalyst with low Ni content is attributable to high dispersion of reduced Ni species, basicity of support surface, and nickel-support interaction.