Dry Reforming of Methane on Ni@SiO2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles: Influence of Core-Shell Morphology on Catalytic Performance

Abstract

Ni-nanocomposite catalysts, such as Ni@SiO2, were investigated to evaluate the influence of core-shell morphology on catalytic performance in the dry reforming of methane (DRM). The Ni-nanocomposite catalysts were synthesized by a combined reverse micelle and sol-gel technique via metal alkoxide hydrolysis and condensation. For comparison, a Ni/SiO2 catalyst was also prepared by the impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by use of XRD, N2 adsorption, H2 TPR, H2 chemisorption, TEM, and TGA. The Ni@SiO2 catalysts with a core-shell nanostructure exhibited superior catalytic activity over the catalysts prepared by impregnation of Ni on a SiO2 support in DRM. The high catalytic activity on nanocomposite catalysts in DRM is mainly attributed to the improved sintering resistance by core-shell catalyst morphology.