The facile synthesis of Ni–Cu catalysts stabilized in SiO2 framework via a supercritical antisolvent approach

Abstract

Ni–Cu catalysts with different SiO2 compositions were prepared via supercritical antisolvent (SAS) precipitation. The calcination and reduction of the SAS Ni–Cu catalysts were investigated by X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM to determine the influence of various SiO2 contents on the Ni–Cu catalyst morphology. SiO2 addition (≥30wt.%) prevents the sintering of metal particles and increases dispersion, specific surface area and accessibility of Ni–Cu particles. These Ni–Cu catalysts can be used for various processes, such as fast oil pyrolysis, aqueous-phase hydrodeoxygenation, and methane decomposition. The facile approach suggested opens unique opportunities for the synthesis of multicomponent metal supported catalysts with high active phase content (>50wt.%) of nanosized (<10nm) metal particles.