Synthesis Gas Production via Dry Reforming of Methane over Manganese Promoted Nickel/Cerium–Zirconium Oxide Catalyst

Nickel/cerium–zirconium oxide (Ni/Ce50–Zr50) and manganese promoted Ni/Ce50–Zr50 (Ni–Mn/Ce50-Zr50) catalysts were prepared using an impregnation method and used in the dry reforming of methane. The catalysts were characterized by H 2 temperature-programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, CO 2 temperature-programmed desorption, X-ray diffraction, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis. A manganese promoter facilitated the formation of the reaction intermediate—CH 2 OH species at low temperature. A synergistic effect between Ni and Mn species enhanced the adsorption of CO 2 on Ni–Mn/Ce50-Zr50. A manganese promoter not only enhanced the catalytic activity but also led to a high H 2 /CO ratio product. At 600 °C, under atmospheric pressure, with 20 000 h –1 gas hourly space velocity and CH 4 /CO 2 /Ar = 1:1:8, on a Ni–Mn/Ce50-Zr50 catalyst, the CH 4 conversion (38.7%), CO 2 conversion (40.4%), and the H 2 /CO ratio (0.83) were all much higher than those on both nonpromoted Ni/Ce50–Zr50 and SiO 2 supported Ni–Mn catalysts.