Sc promoted and aerogel confined Ni catalysts for coking-resistant dry reforming of methane

Abstract

In this study, Sc promoted and aerogel confined Ni catalysts were synthesized via a facile method. The catalyst thus prepared was completely characterized and tested under conditions for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). As compared to Ni-based catalysts, all Sc promoted catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic stability as the addition of Sc strengthened the interaction between the γ-Al₂O₃ support and Ni species, increased the reactive oxygen species and basic sites on the catalyst surface. Moreover, a uniform distribution of Ni and Sc species can be achieved by the unique fabrication pathway, thereby resulting in the increase of the activities and coking-resistance of Ni-based catalysts for the DRM reaction. Additionally, at high reaction temperature, the stable mesostructure of the Al₂O₃ aerogel restricted the motion of Ni nanoparticles, limiting the sintering of Ni nanoparticles. Therefore, the Sc decorated and aerogel confined Ni-based catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic performance, good coking resistance and superior stability.