Nickel-based catalysts: Dependence of properties on nickel loading and modification with palladium
The aim of this study was comparative analysis of catalysts with 5 and 20 wt. % Ni loading, with and without Pd additive, and it included: determination of reduction degrees, investigation on microstructure by scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis by energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Ni/Al2O3 and Ni-Pd/Al2O3 catalysts supported on ?-Al2O3-based foams were synthesized by aerosol assisted impregnation. Impregnation of the foams by ultrasonically aerosolized chlorides was followed by drying at 473 K and hydrogen reduction at 533 and 633 K. Lower Ni loading resulted in higher reduction degrees. Ni loading of 20 wt. % enabled relatively uniform coverage of the foam with a metallic coating. With activity modifier (Pd), nearly complete reduction was achieved at both temperatures. Reduction degrees reached 99.4 and 98.2 wt. % at 533 K for 5 and 20 wt. % of Ni, respectively.