Influence of organic ligand and nickel loading on the performance of MOF-derived catalysts for dry reforming of methane

Abstract

MOF-derived Ni-based catalysts were synthesized via a one-pot solvothermal method for this work. This research studied the effects of two organic ligands on the properties, activity, and performance of the catalysts for dry reforming of methane (DRM). Also, the effect of nickel loading and DRM reaction temperature on the performance of the catalysts were analyzed. Nickel loading varied at 5%, 40%, and 100% and reaction temperatures of 500, 600, 700, and 800 °C were studied. Results obtained proved that the use of trimesic acid as the organic ligand produced more stable catalysts due to a smaller and better dispersed particle size, on a larger surface area caused by longer chain length, with minimal amount of coke formed. Also, the catalyst containing 100% nickel showed considerably good conversions of CH4 and CO2, and better stability with the use of trimesic organic ligand. However, the addition of CeO2 helped the performance of the catalyst due to the availability of surface oxygen which participated in oxidation reaction with the coke formed, further aiding the mitigation of coke. Interestingly, at a reaction temperature of 500 °C, the MOF-derived catalyst remained stable, despite lower conversion rates. The stability was improved by using MOFs as templates for catalysts.