Facile Synthesis of Highly Coking‐Resistant and Active Nickel‐Based Catalyst for Low‐Temperature CO2 Reforming of Methane

Abstract

CO2 reforming of methane (DRM) represents a viable process to convert the two major greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) into high‐value syngas. Nickel‐based catalysts are effective and economical for such a reaction, but they are limited by deactivation owing to sintering and coking. In this work, a one‐pot hydrothermal method is presented, whereby highly stable nano‐sized Ni particles combined with a highly dispersed Ca promoter is implemented over Ca–Ni–SiO2. The so‐produced catalyst shows excellent performance for DRM at temperature as low as 550 °C, with no deactivation observed after a 20‐h catalytic run. Further characterizations demonstrate that the nickel silicate precursor produces sintering‐resistant Ni particles with an average diameter of 3.6 nm, harboring substantial active sites and with relatively active carbon species. In addition, the high dispersion of Ca promoter significantly increases the adsorption of CO2, which enhances the elimination of carbon deposition. Such a synergistic effect derived from small‐sized Ni active sites and basic promoter remarkably increases activity and stability of the catalyst, and inhibits carbon deposition, with only 0.6% deposited carbon formed.