Efficient and Robust Reforming Catalyst in Severe Reaction Conditions by Nanoprecursor Reduction in Confined Space

• Published in: ChemSusChem Vol. 7; no. 2; pp. 631 - 637
• Main Authors: Dacquin, Jean-Philippe, Sellam, Djamila, Batiot-Dupeyrat, Catherine, Tougerti, Asma, Duprez, Daniel, Royer, Sébastien
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.02.2014; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc; ChemPubSoc Europe/Wiley
• Subjects: Catalysis; Chemical Sciences; Composite materials; in situ crystallization; Lanthanum - chemistry; mesoporous materials; Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry; Methane - chemistry; Nanoparticles; Nickel - chemistry; nickel nanoparticles; Oxidation-Reduction; oxide nanoclusters; Particle Size; Porosity; reforming catalyst; Silicon Dioxide - chemistry; Surface Properties; Temperature; in situ crystallization; nickel nanoparticles; reforming catalyst; mesoporous materials; oxide nanoclusters; in situ crystallization
• ISSN: 1864-5631; 1864-564X
• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201300718

The in situ autocombustion synthesis route is shown to be an easy and efficient way to produce nanoscaled nickel oxide containing lanthanum‐doped mesoporous silica composite. Through this approach, ∼3 nm NiO particles homogeneously dispersed in the pores of silica are obtained, while lanthanum is observed to cover the surface of the silica pore wall. Subsequent reduction of such composite precursors under hydrogen generates Ni0 nanoparticles of a comparable size. Control over the size and size distribution of metallic nanoparticles clearly improved catalytic activity in the methane dry reforming reaction. In addition, these composite materials exhibit excellent stability under severe reaction conditions. This was achieved through the presence of LaOx species, which reduced active‐site carbon poisoning, and the confinement effect of the mesoporous support, which reduced metallic particle sintering. A reformed character: The preparation of highly dispersed nickel‐containing oxide material allows the design of a highly active and stable nickel reforming catalyst. Control over the size and size distribution of metallic nanoparticles results in improved catalytic activity in the methane dry reforming reaction. These composite materials also exhibit excellent stability under severe reaction conditions.