A novel Ni catalyst for low-temperature steam reforming in Pd membrane reactors

Ni catalysts on La-promoted MgO/Al2O3 supports with spinel structure exhibit sufficient activity for low-temperature steam reforming of natural gas in Pd membrane reactors. Between 773 and 823 K the conversion reached 97.6% to 99.3% of the theoretical values (19.4% and 27.3%, respectively) in a conventional reactor at 24000 h-1 GHSV, 0.9 MPa, and an H2O/CH4 ratio of 3.0. Catalyst deactivation was negligible during a 1000 h non-equilibrium test. In a single tube Pd membrane reactor with 20 cm2 separation area 98.3% methane conversion with 95.4% H2 recovery were achieved at 823 K, 0.9 MPa, and 4000 h-1 GHSV