Synthesis of Ni/Al₂O3 catalysts via alkaline polyol method and hydrazine reduction method for the partial oxidation of methane

Authors: EZGİ BAYRAKDAR ATEŞ, TUBA GÜRKAYNAK ALTINÇEKİÇ, MEHMET ALİ FARUK ÖKSÜZÖMER

Abstract: Nickel catalysts supported on γ-Al₂O₃ were synthesized in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using both alkaline polyol method and hydrazine reduction method while fixing the weight ratio of [(PVP)]/[Ni(CH₃COO)₂·4H₂O] at 2. The effects of hydrazine [N₂H₅ OH]/[Ni] and [NaOH]/[Ni] molar ratios on the structural properties of the catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average of monodispersed Ni nanoparticles ranged between 8.0 and 13.0 nm. The catalytic tests were performed for the partial oxidation of methane in the temperature range of 600-800 °C under a flow rate of 157,500 L kg^-1 hr^-1 with CH₄/O₂ = 2. At the molar ratio of [NaOH]/[Ni] = 2, the resultant nickel nanoparticles on alumina was established completely without impurities; thus, it demonstrated the highest catalytic activity, 88% for CH₄ conversion, and H₂ selectivity, 90.60%. The optimum [N₂H₅OH]/[Ni] ratio was determined as 4.1, which means a good catalytic performance and 89.35% selectivity to H₂ for the partial oxidation of methane.

Keywords: Alkaline polyol method, hydrazine reduction, nickel, nanoparticles, catalytic partial oxidation of methane

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