Study on Ce-MOF-derived oxides as morphology-tunable catalyst supports for dry reforming of methane

Abstract

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) using CH4 and CO2 as feedstocks to catalytically produce high-value synthesis gas products has great application prospects. However, as a high-temperature heterogeneous catalytic reaction, the challenge lies in preparing efficient and stable catalysts for long-term operation. To enhance the catalytic performance by optimizing support, this study proposed regulating the catalyst structure and properties using Ce-based metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives. Compared with the conventional Ni/CeO2, Ni/CeO2-MOF catalysts performed better in DRM. Especially, Ni/CeO2-UiO-66 demonstrated significant improvement in both catalytic activity and stability. It was also noticed that the Ni/CeO2-MOF catalysts had a potential benefit in limiting the conversion of carbon species to inactive forms given the relatively lower carbon gasification temperatures at their surfaces. The advantage of Ni/CeO2-MOF catalysts was attributed to their better void structure and reduction characteristics, as well as higher oxygen vacancy concentration and improved CO2 adsorption activation capability after pre-activation. This study revealed that MOF-derived supports had distinctive structural characteristics, which were manifested as an important component in high-temperature catalyst systems.