LAUSR

Co-based catalysts were developed for the production of high-calorie synthetic natural gas. The Co reduction in Al2O3- and SiO2-supported catalysts prepared with different Co loading, and their catalytic properties for high-calorie methanation were investigated. The CO conversion of the Co/SiO2 catalysts was superior to that of the Co/ Al2O3 with the same Co loading, due to their better reducibility at 400°C. The activities of both the Al2O3 and SiO2-supported catalysts increased with Co loading, while the growth of hydrocarbon chains decreased as the Co loading increased. As the reduction temperature increased, crystallite size of Co increased in 10Co/SiO2, resulting in decrease of CO conversion and increase of C2+ selectivity. The highest CO conversion (98.7%) was obtained over 10Co/SiO2 reduced at 400 °C. Moreover, the heating value of the product gas (10,405 kcal/Nm3) exceeded the standard heating value without requiring a high reduction temperature (700 °C) or a noble metal (Ru).