Ni/α-Al₂O₃ Catalysts Modified with ZnO and Fe₂O₃ for Steam Reforming of the Natural Gas

Abstract

This work has as objective the synthesis for the method by combustion reaction of catalytic supports of α-Al2O3 modified with ZnO and Fe2O3 with and without impregnation of the species it activates (Ni) and your structural and morphologic characterization. The catalytic supports were obtained by method of the synthesis da combustion reaction. The catalytic supports were characterized by XRD, adsorption of nitrogen by BET method and infrared. The results of XRD showed the formation of powders with high cristalinity, characteristic picks of difraction of the phase α-Al2O3 indicating that there was the partial substitution of the ions of Al3+ for Zn2+ and Fe3+ in the hexagonal net of the alumina. The impregnation of the nickel promoted an increasing in the size of the particles, this carried to reduction of the superficial area of the same, of the volume and of the diameter of the pores of the structure of the material. Were accomplished catalytics tests in row of seats scale. The result of catalytic tests showed that the developed catalysts in this work were efficient in the methane conversion process.