One-Step Solvothermal Synthesis of Ni Nanoparticle Catalysts Embedded in ZrO2 Porous Spheres to Suppress Carbon Deposition in Low-Temperature Dry Reforming of Methane

Abstract

Abstract Ni nanoparticle catalysts embedded in ZrO2 porous spheres and ZrO2 porous composite spheres, SiO2-ZrO2, MgO-ZrO2, and Y2O3-ZrO2, with 83−115 nm diameter and 167–269 m2/g specific surface area were prepared by a one-pot and one-step solvothermal reaction from precursor solutions consisting of Ni(NO3)2‧6H2O, Zr(O n Bu)4, and acetylacetone in moist ethanol combined with either Si(OEt)4, magnesium acetylacetate, or Y(O i Pr)3. The obtained Ni catalysts have high specific surface areas of 130–196 m2/g, even after high-temperature reduction by H2 at 450 °C for 2 h. They were utilized as catalysts for low-temperature dry reforming of methane (DRM) at 550 °C to suppress carbon deposition on Ni nanoparticles. The Ni catalysts embedded in SiO2-ZrO2 and Y2O3-ZrO2 demonstrated high catalytic activity and long stability in the reaction. Moreover, carbon deposition on Ni nanoparticles in the DRM reaction was effectively suppressed in when using the SiO2-ZrO2 and Y2O3-ZrO2 composites. Graphical abstract

Keywords

• Zirconia composite
• Nickel catalyst
• Low-temperature dry reforming of methane
• One-pot solvothermal synthesis
• Suppression of carbon deposition