In this present work, different supports (CeO₂/ZrO₂) and different Ni contents based catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method and tested in the methane steam reforming (MSR) reaction. The prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD analysis confirmed the prepared Ni/CeO₂ samples have a pure crystal structure. In the catalytic tests, the effects of reactivity temperature, different support, Ni loading content and the gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) on hydrogen production performance were investigated systematically. The results showed that the optimal reaction conditions for MSR by Ni/CeO₂ catalyst were as follows: 10 wt % Ni/CeO₂, 750 ^oC, 1500 h^-1. The stability test for 12 h at 750 ^oC indicated that the chosen Ni/CeO₂ catalyst had excellent thermal stability.

Keywords: Hydrogen, Steam reforming, Ni, CeO₂, Support