Synthesis of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts via alkaline polyol method and hydrazine reduction method for the partial oxidation of methane

Nickel catalysts supported on γ-Al2 O3 were synthesized in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using both alkaline polyol method and hydrazine reduction method while fixing the weight ratio of [(PVP)]/[Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O] at 2. The effects of hydrazine [N2H5OH]/[Ni] and [NaOH]/[Ni] molar ratios on the structural properties of the catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average of monodispersed Ni nanoparticles ranged between 8.0 and 13.0 nm. The catalytic tests were performed for the partial oxidation of methane in the temperature range of 600–800 °C under a flow rate of 157,500 L kg–1 hr–1 with CH4 /O2 = 2.