COOPERATIVE ACTION OF COBALT AND MGO FOR THE CATALYZED REFORMING OF CH4 WITH CO2

The reforming of CH4 with CO2 over activated carbon- or silica-supported cobalt catalysts with and without added MgO as promoter has been studied over a range of temperatures (500-700 degrees C). A significant effect of the MgO on catalyst efficiency was observed. The presence of MgO markedly reduces the carbon deposition on the surface of the catalyst and therefore, contributes to the stability of the catalyst. Based on temperature-programmed surface reaction experiments of chemisorbed CO2, the role of MgO may be ascribed to the formation of strongly adsorbed CO2 species over its surface. These CO2 species can easily react with the surface carbon deposits under CO2-refonming reaction conditions, preventing in this way catalyst deactivation.