Development and Characterization of local content catalyst (Montmorillonite Clay) supported Nickel Oxide

Abstract

In this study, natural Montmorillonite clay was modified with Nickle Oxide at seven different ratios, 1:1 to 1:4 of Nickle oxide to Montmorillonite clay and the reverse. The modified catalysts were calcined at 800°C for a period of four hours and characterized for its catalytic properties. The modifications of the montmorillonite clay were performed intending to obtain catalysts with different textural and catalytic properties that could improve the reaction under study; bioethanol production. The modified clays were obtained by direct homogenous mixing of both clay and Nickle oxide before calcination. Characterization analysis of the seven samples including raw clay and nickel oxide were conducted. The resulted calcined catalysts were subjected to characterization viz-a-viz BET, SEM and EDX. The resulted catalyst was found to have an increased surface area compared to either that of montmorillonite clay or Nickle oxide. The catalysts with the higher surface area of 498m²/g was found to be that of 1:4 ratio of Nickle Oxide to montmorillonite clay respectively for both the calcined and modified.