Ni-MO_x-Al₂O₃ (M = Mg, Cr, Ce) catalysts prepared by Pechini technique for low temperature steam reforming of light hydrocarbons into methane-rich gas

30 wt.% NiO – 20 wt.% MO_x-Al₂O₃ (M = Mg, Cr, Ce) catalysts with highly disordered structure were prepared by Pechini technique. Reduced catalysts were tested in low temperature steam reforming of model propane-methane mixture into methane-rich gas. The catalysts were compared with industrial samples and exhibited appropriate activity which increased in the following order: Industrial CH₄ reforming catalyst < Ni-CeO₂-Al₂O₃ ≈ Ni-Cr₂O₃-Al₂O₃ ≈ Ni-Al₂O₃ < Ni-MgO-Al₂O₃ ≈ Industrial CO and CO₂ methanation catalyst. Ni-MgO-Al₂O₃ catalyst with lower Ni content and higher calcination and reduction temperatures showed activity close to that of industrial methanation catalyst. The effect was attributed to Ni-MgO interaction which resulted in higher Ni dispersion.