Influence of Lanthanum Precursor on the Activity of Nickel Catalysts in the Mixed-Methane Reforming Process

This work investigated the influence of the catalytic support precursor on the activity of nickel catalysts 20%Ni/5%La(2)O(3)–95%Al(2)O(3) in the mixed methane reforming process. The activity tests were carried out at a temperature of 750 °C. The research showed that the catalyst prepared from the precursor containing chloride exhibited very low conversions of methane and carbon dioxide. The poisoned catalyst system before and after the calcination process was subjected to Temperature Programmed Surface Reaction tests to determine whether the thermal treatment causes a decrease in the amount of chlorine in the system. To determine the decomposition temperature of the LaCl(3) precursor and the nickel chloride NiCl(2) compound, the samples were analyzed by Thermogravimetry. Finally, the catalytic samples were tested by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry analysis to confirm the presence of nickel–chlorine bonds on the surface of the catalytic system.