Bi-metallic catalysts of mesoporous Al₂O₃ supported on Fe, Ni and Mn for methane decomposition: Effect of activation temperature

Methane decomposition reaction has been studied at three different activation temperatures (500 °C, 800 °C and 950 °C) over mesoporous alumina supported Ni–Fe and Mn–Fe based bimetallic catalysts. On co-impregnation of Ni on Fe/Al₂O₃ the activity of the catalyst was retained even at the high activation temperature at 950 °C and up to 180 min. The Ni promotion enhanced the reducibility of Fe/Al₂O₃ oxides showing higher catalytic activity with a hydrogen yield of 69%. The reactivity of bimetallic Mn and Fe over Al₂O₃ catalyst decreased at 800 °C and 950 °C activation temperatures. Regeneration studies revealed that the catalyst could be effectively recycled up to 9 times. The addition of O₂ (1 ml, 2 ml, 4 ml) in the feed enhanced substantially CH₄ conversion, the yield of hydrogen and the stability of the catalyst.