Dry reforming of methane using various catalysts in the process: review

Abstract

Dry (CO2) reforming of methane with its commercial application of syngas production also serves in utilization of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. Though the process is well studied, still, there are areas that are being explored in optimizing the process. One of the key areas of research is enhancing the activity and stability of the catalysts used in the reforming reactions. Activity of catalyst depends upon particle size, dispersion on support, support type, synthesis method, etc., whereas deactivation of catalyst is due to carbon deposition and sintering of metal precursor. With noble metals like Rh, Ru, Pt, and Pt providing more stability but are not economical, commercialization of dry reforming process has been achieved using Ni-based catalysts. Literature based on optimization of the catalyst performance varying various parameters like type of active metal, support, promoters, and catalyst synthesis procedure has been cited in this review. Review also extends towards various structured catalysts like foams, zeolites, and their performance-enhancing characteristics. With active metals like Ni showing excellent dispersion on well-structured supports like layered double hydroxides; enhanced performance by addition of a second metal usually a noble metal; use of promoters like lanthanides, which induce gasification of carbon species, thus inhibiting deactivation; and methods of introducing promoters, such as controlled adsorption, these catalysts can serve as strong candidates in commercial applications.