Revolutionizing CH4-CO2 reforming: Resilient La2O3-Ni@MgAl2O4 catalyst with dual-function synergy

The process of converting methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) into more valuable compounds, known as methane-carbon dioxide reforming (DRM), plays a pivotal role in the realm of catalysis. Nickel-based catalysts are widely employed due to their affordability, high initial activity, and abundant availability. Nevertheless, these catalysts frequently encounter challenges such as sintering and carbon accumulation, which can result in rapid inactivation. In this work, a novel La2O3-Ni@MgAl2O4 catalyst was synthesized by a straightforward one-pot method, which exhibited excellent DRM performance and anti-carbon deposition properties, even in 800°C for 100 h, only 1.8% of carbon was formed. The physical and chemical attributes of this novel catalyst were examined employing techniques including TEM, H2-TPR, and Raman characterization, etc. The catalysts prepared by one-pot method exhibited a higher specific surface area, and the interaction between Ni and MgAl2O4 carriers was effectively enhanced by the addition of La2O3, and the dispersion of active metals effectively promoted. The DRM reaction mechanism on the La2O3-Ni@MgAl2O4 catalyst was explored through in situ DRIFTs, which mainly followed the L-H mechanism. The formation of La2O2CO3 is elucidated as an effective strategy to hinder carbon deposition and enhance the catalyst's resilience to carbon accumulation. The introduction of the La2O3-Ni@MgAl2O4 catalyst constitutes a noteworthy contribution to the realm of catalysis by furnishing a more stable and efficient alternative to conventional nickel-based catalysts.