Work

A detailed characterization study of Ni/CeO2 catalysts identifies Ni availability as the primary factor affecting CO2 methanation performance

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The structure of a catalyst has a strong impact on its performance. Here we investigate the physico-chemical properties of Ni/CeO2 in an attempt to draw structure-activity relationships for CO2 methanation. A combination of characterisation methods (X-ray diffraction (XRD), 4D Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (4D-STEM), CO chemisorption and oxygen storage capacity study etc.) clearly demonstrates the effect of Ni particle size, Ni availability and oxygen vacancies at the Ni-CeO2 interface in Ni/CeO2 during CO2 methanation. Among them, the role of enriched Ni active sites is highlighted, and two possible optimisation schemes i.e. changing the support calcination temperature and the final calcination atmosphere are proposed to obtain a better dispersal of Ni NPs on CeO2. Both modification methods do not affect the reaction route, and the activity differences of Ni/CeO2 can be explained by the various hydrogenation rate of formate species, as confirmed by in situ diffuse-reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) measurements.

Source: Journal of Catalysis

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2024.115778

Authors: Sining Chen, Luke Higgins, Ilenia Giarnieri, Patricia Benito, Andrew M. Beale

Institutions: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Research Complex at Harwell, University College London, Diamond Light Source, University of Bologna

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,910