Patent ID: 7498289

Claim:
A method for preparing a catalyst, the method comprising forming a pre-calcination composition by combining a Ni-component with a first minor component, and optionally with second and third minor components, wherein the Ni-component consists essentially of Ni, a Ni oxide, a Ni salt, or mixtures thereof, the mole fraction of the Ni-component ranging from about 0.5 to about 0.96, the first minor component consists essentially of an element or compound comprising a member from the group consisting of Ti, Ta, Nb, Co, Hf, Y, Zn, Zr, Al, oxides thereof, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, the mole fraction of the first minor component ranging from about 0.04 to about 0.5, the second minor component consists essentially of an element or compound comprising a member selected from the group consisting of a lanthanide element, a group IIIA element, a group VA element, a group VIA element, a group IIIB element, a group IVB element, a group VB element, a group VIB element, oxides thereof, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, the mole fraction of the second minor component ranging from 0 to about 0.4, the third minor component consists essentially of an element or compound comprising a member selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, oxides thereof, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, the mole fraction of the third minor component ranging from 0 to about 0.4, and calcining the pre-calcination composition.