Enhanced dry reforming of methane over mesostructured fibrous Ni/MFI zeolite: Influence of preparation methods

Abstract Dry reforming of methane is acknowledged to be an environmentally benign route for conversion of CO2 and CH4 into syngas (CO and H2). Herein, unique mesostructured fibrous MFI support was synthesized by microemulsion method, and Ni incorporation via double solvent, physical mixing and wetness impregnation methods. Results revealed wetness impregnation catalyst had the highest activity and stability. Activation energy of reactants showed a reliance on acidity, where moderate acidity impeded deactivation by CH4 cracking. Furthermore, degree of catalyst deactivation was negligible compared to what is attainable on conventional zeolite catalysts. Thus, fibrous morphology, microscopic dispersion and moderate acidity played a positive role in boosting reactants accessibility to active Ni sites which results in preservation of activity under the harsh conditions of DRM process.