Sol-gel synthesis of Co-W promoted NiAl2O4 spinel nanocatalyst used in combined reforming of methane: Influence of tungsten content on catalytic activity and stability

Abstract A stable process for green fuel production by means of a combined CO2 reforming of methane and partial oxidation was evaluated during this research work. The goal was achieved by using Co-W promoters with NiO spinel on Al2O3 support. Sol-gel technique based on the privileged characterization such as homogeneous distribution was used for the synthesis of enhanced Co-W catalyst on NiAl2O4 spinel. Structural and morphological attributes of fabricated samples were investigated through XRD, FESEM, EDX, BET and FTIR techniques. Eventually, homogeneous distribution of particles, less than 50 nm, high specific surface area and homogeneous structure were observed. Catalysts stability and resistance to carbonaceous deposits in operated conditions are evaluated by TG-DTG technique. In this study, reduction of deposited coke after the reaction was achieved by raising the tungsten amount in catalyst. According to obtained results, CoNiAl2O4 promoter with 1 wt% W (CoW1/NiAl2O4) nanocatalyst has obtained higher conversion along with high H2 and CO yields. Also, CoW1/NiAl2O4 was considered as an optimum nanocatalyst for methane combined reforming by illustrating the tremendous stability at 750 °C and during the 48 h time on stream performance.