SULFUR RESISTANT NICKEL ALUMINATE CATALYSTS, SOL-GEL PREPARATION METHOD AND USE IN METHANE REFORMING OF SUCH CATALYSTS

摘要

Nickel based catalyst structures are described herein that include a plurality of metal oxides formed as crystalline phases within the catalyst structures. Each metal oxide of a catalyst structure includes nickel and/or aluminum, where one or more metal oxides includes a nickel aluminum oxide, and the one or more nickel aluminum oxides is greater than 50% by weight of the crystalline phases within the catalyst structure. The catalyst structures further have specific surface areas of at least 13 m 2 /g. Mixed nickel aluminates such as the spinel phase, NiAl 2 O 4 , and NiAl 10 O 16 are shown to have a high stability in reforming reactions. The catalyst structures are resistant to high concentrations of sulfur and are effective in reforming operations for converting methane and other light hydrocarbons to hydrogen and one or more other components. For example, the catalyst structures are effective in coal and biomass gasification systems for the forming and cleanup of synthetic gas.