Process for producing a reforming catalyst and the reforming of methane

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for producing a catalyst for the reforming of hydrocarbons, preferably methane, in the presence of CO, water and/or hydrogen. The production of the catalyst is based on contacting of a hydrotalcite-comprising starting material with a fusible metal salt. The compounds which have been brought into contact with one another are intimately mixed and treated thermally, resulting in the fusible metal salt forming a melt. After molding, the material is subjected to a high-temperature calcination step. The metal salt melt comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of K, La, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Ce, preferably Ni. The metal salt melt more preferably comprises nickel nitrate hexahydrate. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the catalyst of the invention for the reforming of hydrocarbons, preferably methane, in the presence of CO, water and/or hydrogen at elevated pressures which are greater than 5 bar, preferably greater than 10 bar, particularly preferably greater than 20 bar. The catalyst according to the invention is distinguished from the prior art by particular, preferred physicochemical properties.