Effect of adding Mg and Ce in CO_2 reforming of CH_4 to syngas over Ni/nano-Al_2O_3 catalysts

The effects of the oxides of Mg and Ce on the CO_2 reforming of CH_4 over Ni/nano-Al_2O_3 catalysts were investigated.Orthogonal experimental methodology was applied to select the most suitable catalysts.The results showed that Ni/nano-Al_2O_3 catalysts exhibit high reactivity when the Ni content is 9% ～13%.As the content of Mg increasing,the reactivity of catalysts is decreased,that is to say,Mg is not suitable for this reaction.On the contrary,the reactivity of catalysts can be improved by Ce on the whole,especially when the Ce content is 3%.It is certificated that the decomposition of CH_4 is the key step of reforming reaction from unpretreatment and lower temperature experiments.The stability of catalysts can be improved by Ce but not Mg.