Abstract: The catalytic properties of Ni/SiO2 catalysts with different Ni particle size for the oxy-reforming of methane or methane-propane with CO2 and O2 (autothermal reforming) in a fluidized-bed reactor were investigated. The results show that Ni/SiO2 catalysts with smaller Ni particle size exhibit higher catalytic activity and improved resistance to carbon deposition. The conversion of methane and carbon dioxide was 75.5% and 72.6%, respectively, for the methane-propane autothermal reforming reaction. The propane dissociates and is oxidized more easily than methane. The CHx intermediate species from propane dissociation combines with the adsorbed hydrogen to produce methane, which results in a decrease in the apparent conversion of methane. Additionally, H2 and CO are generated by the reaction with adsorbed CO2, which promotes the conversion of the CO2.

Key words: methane, propane, autothermal reforming, synthesis gas, nickel, silica, supported catalyst