Ni–Fe Catalysts Based on Perovskite-type Oxides for Dry Reforming of Methane to Syngas

LaNi_(1−x)Fe_xO₃ (x=0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.7) perovskite-type catalysts were modified by the partial substitution of nickel by iron, aiming to increase the stability and resistance to carbon deposition during the methane dry reforming reaction. The results showed that a suitable combination of precipitation and calcination steps could result in oxides with the desired structure and with improved properties from the point of view of heterogeneous catalysis. The partial substitution of Ni by Fe in the perovskite structure resulted in decreasing rates of conversion of both reactants. However, the stability of the catalyst during the reaction was highly increased. These substituted catalysts were shown to be stable and the LaNi_0.8Fe_0.2O₃ catalyst, calcined at 800 °C for 5 h, was the most active in the reaction conditions.