Hydrogen production via methane decomposition using Ni and Ni-Cu catalysts supported on MgO, Al₂O₃ and MgAl₂O₄

Ni (10%) and Ni-Cu (50 and 25%, respectively) catalysts supported on alumina, magnesia and magnesium aluminate were synthesized. The characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, temperature programmed-reduction, Raman spectroscopy and SEM. The catalysts were tested in the methane decomposition reaction using a tubular fixed bed reactor operated in the range of 500-580°C under atmospheric pressure. A higher activity was observed with the bimetallic catalysts supported on alumina and magnesium aluminate. These results were explained in terms of Ni-Cu alloy formation and weak metal-support interaction. In the case of monometallic catalysts, a strong metal-support interaction was detected, which revealed the lowest activity and stability compared with the bimetallic catalysts. The formed carbon was a combination of amorphous and graphite.