Formation, control, and elimination of carbon on Ni-based catalyst during CO2 and CH4 conversion via dry reforming process: A review

Abstract

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) promises to reduce greenhouse gas emission by converting CO2 and CH4 (produced e.g. in anaerobic digestion processes) into syngas with an almost equimolar H2/CO ratio suitable for use in Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis for the production of varieties of high value chemicals and liquid fuels. Ni-based catalyst is the most viable catalyst to catalyse the reaction, but its use faces a great challenge due to its propensity to form and accumulate carbonaceous materials on its active surface. In this article, the mechanisms involved in the deactivation of Ni-based catalyst in DRM reaction by carbon deposition and other carbon-induced deactivation mechanisms, which understanding is vital for the improvement of the process, are reviewed. Based on a thorough assessment of literature, perspectives are given on ways to control and mitigate carbon deposition problems related to the use of Ni-based catalysts in DRM by means of manipulating reaction conditions and process parameters as well as through designing and developing highly active coke-resistant Ni-based catalysts.