Study of the synthetic approach influence in Ni/CeO2 catalyst for methane dry reforming reaction

Methane dry reforming (MDR) is a promising process for syngas production through the valorization of two of the main Greenhouse gases [1]. Despite the high endothermicity, it can be coupled with Solid Oxide Fuel Cells to achieve a synergistic effect between the two processes. The catalyst plays a key role in this reaction as it should encourage syngas formation by limiting coke deactivation. This work focusses the attention on the effects of different synthetic approaches in the activity and stability of nickel-based catalysts [2]. To deeply investigate how the synthetic approach influences the reaction pathway, Ni/CeO2 catalysts were prepared using three different routes: incipient wetness impregnation, co precipitation and nitrate combustion synthesis. The fresh and spent catalysts were characterized via N2-physisorption, AAS, TPR, XRD, CO2-TPD, RAMAN spectroscopy and SEM techniques to understand the morpho-physical features of the materials and to identify the causes of catalysts deactivation. The catalysts were tested for MDR at the temperature of 700 °C. The catalyst prepared via incipient wetness impregnation showed the highest degree of deactivation reaching only 10% H2 yield after 20h on stream. Co-precipitation and nitrate combustion synthesis showed higher stability, achieving 40% H2 yield after 28h on stream. The catalytic activity can be well explained by the characterization performed on the catalysts: an opportune synthetic approach capable to ensure higher metal dispersion and stronger interaction with the support is mandatory for the stability of the catalyst towards coking and deactivation.