Preparation and Evaluation of Resistance Coke Formation Catalysts in Combined Reforming of Methane Using Steam and Oxygen for the Production of Synthesis Gas

Ni-based catalysts with different promoters, such as Fe, La, Zr, Ce, and Ca, were prepared using the one-step sol–gel method and tested for their performance in the combined reforming of methane using steam and oxygen. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, TPO, BET, and TPR analysis. The consequences revealed that deposited carbon was lower on the surface of the 10% Ni-3% Fe-MgO·Al2O3 catalyst in oxygen-combined CH4 reforming. The Fe2O3-doped sample depicted the highest CH4 conversion, more than 65%, and showed a higher catalytic stability for O2 reforming of methane. In addition, introducing steam into the feeds benefited the performance of catalysts due to lower coke formation, and the H2/CO ratio was changed from 1.5 to 3 at 700 °C. It is concluded that the high catalytic efficiency of the Fe2O3-doped sample in combined reforming of methane was associated with its high reducibility and more reduction of NiO species.