Pyridinic N and carbon defects synergistically promote methane dry reforming to syngas catalyzed by Co/N-CNTs

Hydrothermal synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported by Co catalysts with low nitrogen contents was used for methane reforming by CO2. The physicochemical properties of Co/N-CNTs catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, Raman, TEM, H2-TPR, CO2-TPD and XPS. Highest total N amount and pyridinic N content were obtained at an optimal hydrothermal condition. Meanwhile, it is capable to convert CH4 into 92.9% and CO2 into 96.4% on the best Co/N-CNTs catalyst. N doping strengthened the interaction between Co oxide and CNTs, and enhanced carbon defect concentration and CO2 adsorption capacity, which was beneficial to increase the CH4 and CO2 conversions. Carbon defects may be conducive to the activation of CH4. It was supposed that the synergistic effect between pyridinic N and carbon defects significantly improved the methane dry reforming activity of the Co/N-CNTs catalysts.