Role of CeO2-ZrO2 support for structural, textural and functional properties of Ni-based catalysts active in dry reforming of methane

Positive environmental and technological contexts make dry methane reforming (DMR) an extensively studied reaction. During this process two main greenhouse gases CH4 and CO2 can be simultaneously converted into syngas – a mixture of CO and H2. Supported-nickel is one of the most frequently applied DMR catalysts. Their activity depends mainly on Ni concentration, kind of its precursor and a deposition method. As DMR is a demanding high-temperature reaction, it requires not only an active but first a very stable catalyst. Structural, textural and functional properties of such support remain thus of crucial efficiency. Main aim of this work was to elucidate how the synthesis of CeO2-ZrO2 support obtained by supercritical fluid method (i.e. at temperature of 400°C under a pressure of 25 MPa), can influence the properties of Ni-based DMR catalysts. The supports of various compositions (CeO2 content from 100 to 0 %), subsequently calcined at 800°C for 6h in air have been analyzed. Nickel was deposited from nitrate(V) precursor via classical wet impregnation. The final catalysts have been characterized structurally (XRD, RS), texturally (BET, SEM) and functionally (UV/Vis-DR, XPS). Catalytic tests in dry methane reforming reaction have been performed to determine activity and stability of the synthesized samples