Biomass-Derived Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles as a Robust Catalyst for Hydrogen Production by Catalytic Decomposition of C2H2 or Dry Reforming of CH4

Abstract

Nickel is well recognized for its high catalytic activity in hydrogen production and hydrotreating, but it experiences severe deactivation upon coke formation. The development of a nickel-based catalyst that is resilient to deactivation while maintaining its signature high activity is therefore desirable. We demonstrate a simple but effective technique for the synthesis of nickel phosphide catalysts by impregnating nickel into carbonized natural cellulose fibers (NCFs) that naturally contain phosphorus. At a sufficient annealing temperature (1100 °C), the nickel particles react with phosphorus, forming Ni2P and Ni5P4 nanoparticles. Higher annealing temperatures (>1500 °C) promote the formation of single atom nickel, which greatly supplements the catalytic performance. Our nickel phosphide catalyst exhibits a markedly superior activity and stability in the synthesis of hydrogen by C2H2 decomposition and the dry reforming of methane (DRM) compared to the Ni/Al2O3 model catalyst. The sustained activity and s...