Abstract
Ni supported on bare and modified ZrO2 samples were synthesized using the incipient wet impregnation method. The t-ZrO2 phase was stabilized by incorporation of La2O3 into ZrO2. Moreover, the influence of CeO2-doping on the physico-chemical and catalytic properties under CO2 reforming conditions was probed. The characterization data of the investigated catalysts were obtained by using XRD, CO2/H2-TPD, BET, TPR, TPO, TGA, XPS and TEM characterization techniques. In the pristine Ni/Zr catalyst, the t-ZrO2 phase transformed into the monoclinic phase. However, upon support modification by La2O3, significant effects on the physicochemical properties were observed due to the monoclinic-to-tetragonal ZrO2 phase transformation also affecting the catalytic activity. As a result, superior activity on the La2O3 modified Ni/Zr catalyst was achieved, while no relevant change in the surface properties and activity of the catalysts was detected after doping by CeO2. The peculiar behavior of the Ni/La-ZrO2 sample was related to higher dispersion of the active phase, with a more pronounced stabilization of the t-ZrO2 phase.
Highlights
Modern civilization is confronted with two major challenges: dwindling energy resources [1,2]and global warming caused by greenhouse gases [3,4]
A high surface area ZrO2 supported Ni system was prepared using an incipient wet-impregnation method and modified by heteroatom oxides, like La2 O3, and the influence of ceria doping in dry reforming of CH4 at 700 ◦ C was assessed
La2 O3 modification suppressed the formation of NiO–ZrO2 solid solutions, with a complete reduction of the active phase at temperatures below 750 ◦ C
Summary
Modern civilization is confronted with two major challenges: dwindling energy resources [1,2]. Global warming caused by greenhouse gases (mainly CH4 and CO2 ) [3,4]. The dry reforming of the methane (DRM) reaction for the conversion of greenhouse gases into a valuable synthesis gas (H2 and CO) product is a potential contestant for confronting both these challenges simultaneously. It is an acknowledged fact that DRM is hampered by some side reactions, such as the Boudouard reaction (Equation (2)), water gas shift reaction (Equation (3)), and methane decomposition. Catalysts 2019, 9, 473; doi:10.3390/catal9050473 www.mdpi.com/journal/catalysts (Equation (4)), which are considered the major reactions leading to the deactivation of catalysts as a result of coke deposition [7]. Syngas is recognized as the building block for the production of H2 and liquid fuels such as olefins, paraffins, methanol, oxygenates and aromatics in the petrochemical industry, employing the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis process [5,6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
