A Ni/CeO2–CDC-SiC Catalyst with Improved Coke Resistance in CO2 Reforming of Methane

Abstract

A nanocomposite Ni/CeO2–CDC-SiC catalyst which consists of highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles contacting intimately with CeO2 nanoparticles on a nanoporous carbide-derived carbon (CDC) layer over SiC support has been successfully designed for carbon dioxide (CO2) reforming of methane. In comparison with the Ni/CDC-SiC catalyst, the ceria-promoted Ni/CDC-SiC catalyst possessed enhanced activity and improved stability. The catalysts were systematically characterized with N2 sorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry elemental mapping, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, temperature-programmed reduction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. It was found that, after introducing CeO2 promoter, the specific surface area was increased, and a smaller Ni particle size was obtained. The smaller Ni particle size led to an enhanced reforming activity. The presence of abundant Ni–CeO2 interfaces on the CeO2-promoted catalyst accelerated...