Assessing the Impact of Pretreatment Conditions on the Catalytic Activity In Toluene Reforming on Ni-Based Catalysts

Three Ni-based catalysts (Ni/CY, Ni/LSCF and RuNi/LSCF) were submitted to a pre-treatment in a gas atmosphere generated during biomass gasification process. The modifications of the physicochemical properties and the catalytic performance of the catalysts pre-treated in a model ex-biomass gas were compared with catalysts pre-treated in H2. The generation of Ni0  through the pre-treatment in a model ex-biomass gas was evidenced. This pre-treatment also provoked the formation of whisker carbon deposits at the catalytic surface and a change in the Ni dispersion by comparing with the reduction in H2. The catalytic performance in WGS, CO methanation and toluene reforming of the catalysts was evaluated. Both Ni catalysts exhibited activity in WGS and CO methanation in the absence of toluene. However, these catalysts underwent deactivation in presence of toluene, becoming inactive in reforming reaction. Ru was found to improve this catalytic activity by enhancing the resistance to coke and Ni oxidation.