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KOSK-Katalyse og organisk syntetisk kjemi

Hydrotalcite-like compounds as catalytic materials for the conversion of natural gas components (light alkanes) to synthesis gas

Awarded: NOK 5.5 mill.

Light alkanes (C2-C4) constitute approximately 10% of the North Sea natural gas (NG). Pre-reforming of C2-C4 is an important part of modern synthesis gas plants, such as Statoil’s methanol plant at Tjeldbergodden. Reforming of natural gas also has a poten tial use as a source for hydrogen production. Hydrotalcite-like materials are layered compounds consisting of a brucite layer containing metal cations, with various anions placed in the interlayer between them. After calcination, such materials are transformed to mixed oxides, which are characterised by a high surface area, basic properties and an ability to stabilise small metal clusters. It has been shown that hydrotalcite-based supports lead to catalysts with exceptionally high activity and lifetime stability compared to conventional supports in h ydrocarbon conversion reactions. This project is a continuation of an on-going activity. Knowledge about the material and catalytic properties of Ni/Mg(Al)O prepared by impregnation or co-precipitation has been established by using conventional (XRD, BET, ICP, catalytic screening tests) and advanced (SSITKA, DRIFTS, TAP, TEM, SXRD, magnetic measurements) methods. An interesting influence of catalyst pre-treatment on the catalytic properties of these materials has been observed, as well as that the support takes place in the catalytic pro cess. In the continuation of the project, focus will be set on how to minimise the Ni particle size and how it will affect the catalytic properties.s. The original project stated: The project will start by establishing a "state-of-the art" materials, among others Ni-Al-O and Ni-Mg-Al-O, which will be used for comparison with other, more advanced materials. A carrier material, Mg-Al-O, as well as Ni-Mg-Al-O, will be modified by add ing promoter metals. Different preparative methods such as coprecipitation, anion exchange and impregnation will be used to introduce Ni and the promoter metals in order to optimise the catalyst properties. Catalyst screening tests will be used to rank t he catalysts, and select the best catalysts for thorough characterisation and mechanistic studies at a cooperating institute.

Funding scheme:

KOSK-Katalyse og organisk syntetisk kjemi

Thematic Areas and Topics

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