Cobalt–magnesia catalyst by oxalate co-precipitation method for dry reforming of methane under pressure

Catalytic performance of cobalt–magnesia catalyst prepared by oxalate co-precipitation method (Co–MgO) was investigated for dry reforming of methane at 1 MPa, 1023 K. Co–MgO (7 mol% Co) showed stable activity at such high space velocity as 400,000 cm³ h⁻¹ g⁻¹ whereas reactor was plugged during the reforming reaction with 10 mol% Co–MgO, and the activity of Co–MgO with Co content less than 6 mol% gradually decreased by the oxidation of cobalt species. Well-balanced cobalt content is essential for high and stable activity.