In-situ Analysis of Alloy Effects in Low-temperature Methane Dry Reforming in an Electric Field

Methane dry reforming at 373 K in a DC electric field was carried out using Ni/CeO2 and Ni0.8Fe0.2/CeO2 alloy catalysts, and their alloying effects were investigated in detail using XAFS and in-situ surface spectroscopy. For the Ni catalyst, there was a decrease in the adsorption of carbonate species, an increase in the proportion of bidentate carbonate species, and an observed degradation in activity caused by carbon deposition over time. Conversely, the alteration of electronic state occurring as a result of the ligand effect (electronic interaction among atoms by alloying) on the Ni-Fe catalyst contributed to the stabilization of intermediates involved in rate-determining steps specific to electric-field catalysis. Carbon deposition was less likely to occur, resulting in significantly higher activity when compared to the Ni catalyst. Dry reforming of methane at 373 K in an electric field was performed using Ni/CeO2 and Ni0.8Fe0.2/CeO2 alloy catalysts, and alloying effects were investigated by XAFS and in-situ surface spectroscopy. Alloying Ni-Fe resulted in a change of electronic state and a dilution of ensembles, stabilizating intermediates and suppressing carbon deposition with high activity in the electric field.