Effect of cobalt addition on the structure and properties of Ni-MCM-41 for the partial oxidation of methane to syngas.

A one-step hydrothermal crystallization method was used to synthesize Co-Ni-MCM-41 catalysts for the partial oxidation of methane to syngas reaction. Co was added as an assistant in the synthesis process. The formation of a Ni-Co alloy decreased the damage of Ni ions to the framework of MCM-41. The Ni-Co alloy introduced more Ni into the channel exposing more active sites. The properties of the synthesized catalysts were characterized by XRD, N adsorption-desorption, TEM, ICP, FT-IR, H-TPR, XPS and TGA techniques. Co-Ni-MCM-41 catalysts showed superior catalytic performance and sintering resistance than Ni-MCM-41 catalyst without Co. The Ni-Co alloy inhibited the formation of the NiO, thus reducing the sintering of the catalyst. The result was attributed to higher metal dispersion and more regular pore structure of the Co-Ni-MCM-41 catalysts. When the Co content was 1%, a conversion of 88% and selectivity of 87% was achieved.