Bimetallic Metal–Organic Framework-Derived Hybrid Nanostructures as High-Performance Catalysts for Methane Dry Reforming

Abstract

Syngas, consisting of equimolar CO and H2, is an important feedstock for large-scale productions of a wide range of commodity chemicals including aldehyde, methanol, ammonia, and other oxygenated chemicals. Dry reforming of methane (DRM), proceeding by reacting greenhouse gases, CO2 and CH4, at high temperatures in the presence of a metal catalyst, is considered one of the most environmental friendly routes for syngas production. Nevertheless, non-precious metal-based catalysts, which can operate at relatively low temperatures for high product yields and selectivities, are required to effectively drive the DRM process for industrial applications. Here, we developed NiCo@C nanocomposites from corresponding NiCo-based bimetallic metal-organic framework (MOF) to serve as high performance catalysts for the DRM process, achieving high turnover frequencies (TOF) at low temperatures (>5.7 s-1 at 600 °C) and high product selectivities (H2/CO = 0.9 at 700 ˚C). Incorporation of Co in Ni catalysts improves the operation stability and light-off stability. The present development for MOF-derived nanocomposites opens a new horizon for design of DRM catalysts.