In situ synthesis of Ni/MgO catalysts on inorganic paper-like matrix for methane steam reforming

In situ synthesis of nickel/magnesium oxides (Ni/MgO) on a microstructured inorganic paper support was investigated to develop high-performance, easily handled, paper-like catalysts, using two different methods: sequential impregnation and co-impregnation approaches. Porous paper supports were prepared beforehand using a conventional papermaking technique, and then simply impregnated with Mg(NO₃)₂ and Ni(NO₃)₂ solutions, either stepwise or at the same time. After reduction in a hydrogen flow, Ni/MgO catalysts were formed in the paper composites. The as-prepared Ni/MgO paper is much like an ordinary paper product, being flexible, lightweight, and easy to handle. The Ni/MgO paper composites, especially the co-impregnated paper, exhibited excellent catalytic performances in the steam reforming of methane, and produced hydrogen much more efficiently than did commercial Ni-based catalysts in powdered and pellet forms. The Ni/MgO paper composites also showed good durability for 24-h continuous reaction, and maintained their initial efficiency for methane steam reforming. These results were attributed to the favorable supply of gaseous reactants to the active Ni/MgO catalysts, which were well distributed inside a microporous paper structure.