Abstract: A catalyst precursor is prepared by intimately mixing a nickel-aluminium Feitknecht compound with a non-calcined aluminosilicate clay mineral and at the same time and/or subsequently with at least one additive comprising an alkaline earth and/or rare earth metal compound. The resulting mixture is then calcined to produce the catalyst precursor which can be reduced to the catalyst form. The catalyst may be used, for example, in the methanation of gases and the presence of the additive reduces silicon species loss from the catalyst during use.

Abstract: Steam reforming catalysts which are suitable for the gasification of hydrocarbons, particularly heavier hydrocarbons such as kerosene and gas oils, consist of calcined and reduced forms of a basic mixed carbonate of nickel, aluminium and chromium produced by coprecipitation. The catalysts are further characterized in that they have a pore size distribution such that at least 55% by volume of the pores of the calcined but unreduced catalyst which have a pore radius of 12-120A is in the range 12-30A. The catalysts are produced by coprecipitation, preferably at temperatures of not more than 60.degree. C., by using an alkali carbonate as the precipitant and by adding the precipitant to a mixed solution of alumium, nickel and chromium III compounds. The catalysts which have good sinter and polymer resistance may be used for the production of methane-containing gases, e.g., for the production of substitute natural gas.