Hydrogen Production from Biogas: Development of an Efficient Nickel Catalyst by the Exsolution Approach

Hydrogen production from biogas over alumina-supported Ce1−xNixO2−x catalysts was studied in a temperature range of 600–850 °C with an initial gas composition CH4/CO2/H2O 1/0.8/0.4. To achieve high and stable hydrogen yield, highly dispersed Ni were prepared through the exsolution approach. A solid solution firstly formed on surface Al2O3 then activated H2/Ar at 800 °C. The genesis properties Ce1−xNixO2−x/Al2O3 established using X-ray fluorescence analysis, thermal N2 adsorption, ex situ diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, EDX temperature-programmed reduction. performance conversion tuned by regulation dispersion reducibility active component variation content (5–20 wt.%) (x = 0.2, 0.5, 0.8) as well mode its loading (co-impregnation (CI), citrate sol–gel method (SG)). For 20 wt.% catalyst, rate coke formation decreased factor 10 x increased 0.2 to 0.8. optimal catalyst (20 Ce0.2Ni0.8O1.8/80 Al2O3) preparation (citrate method) determined. At 850 °C, Ce0.2Ni0.8O1.8/Al2O3-SG provides 100% yield full CH4 85% CO2 utilization.