La–Ce binary oxide catalysts for low-temperature dry reforming

Abstract

A series of Ni-based catalysts supported by La–Ce binary oxide were synthesized by a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. With fine-tuning of the La/Ce ratio and synthesis process, fabricated Ni/La–Ce catalysts showed comparable catalytic performance in low-temperature dry reforming of methane (DRM). With a La/Ce ratio of 1:4, the synthesized catalyst had optimal conversions of reactants but severe coke formation. When La/Ce ratio increased to 1:1, with declined DRM reactivity Ni/La–Ce catalyst showed great coke resistance. Different characterizations had been performed on the fresh and spent Ni/La–Ce catalyst to evaluate the correlations between structures and surface properties with the catalytic performance of catalysts. It was found that synthesis and carbonate species formed on the surface of La–Ce binary oxide played important roles in the DRM reaction. The La–Ce binary oxide had its intrinsic lattice configuration with La inserting into the CeO2 phases and proved its efficiency in low-temperature DRM reactions.