Methanation of CO on Ru/graphitized-carbon catalysts: Effects of the preparation method and the carbon support structure

Two kinds of Ru/C catalysts prepared by two different methods and supported on two graphitized carbons differing in their surface area were studied in CO methanation in the H2-rich gas. The textural parameters of the support materials were characterized by means of N2 physisorption. XRPD, XPS, TEM and CO- chemisorption studies indicate that the application of wet impregnation leads to more homogeneous composition of the Ru/carbon system and higher Ru dispersion than dry impregnation for both supports. The activity of the Ru/carbon samples in CO methanation in a H2-rich gas stream depends on the structure and average size of the active phase crystallites. The combination of wet impregnation and the use of graphitized carbon of appropriate structure in the preparation of the Ru/C catalyst lead to a complete conversion of CO at 240 °C.