Work

Tuning catalyst performance in methane dry reforming via microwave irradiation of Nickel-Silicon carbide systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a promising route for converting greenhouse gases like CH4 and CO2 into valuable syngas, H2 and CO. However, traditional nickel (Ni)-based catalysts suffer from rapid deactivation due to carbon deposition and sintering, especially when supported on low thermal conductivity materials. This work introduces a novel post-synthesis microwave irradiation (MIR) treatment to systematically optimize the performance of Ni – β – SiC and Ni – Ti – Cβ – SiC catalysts. Unlike previous studies that have used MIR during reaction or with different supports, MIR is applied after synthesis to adjust metal-support interactions and textural properties by varying exposure time. MIR post-treatment (10–25 s) increased the CH4 conversion to 65% and the CO2 conversions to 62% for Ni–β–SiC catalysts and improved the H₂/CO ratio to 0.80, with stable performance over 20 hours. For Ni–Ti–Cβ–SiC, MIR (10-20s) maintained CH4 conversion up to 60% and CO2 conversion to 58% over 20 hours, while the untreated catalyst, though initially higher, deactivated rapidly. Excessive MIR (30 s) reduced performance for both catalyst types, underscoring the need for optimal exposure time. These findings demonstrate post-synthesis MIR provides a tuneable approach for enhancing both the activity and durability of Ni/SiC – based DRM catalysts through controlled modification of metal – support interactions. This work offers new insights for the design of robust catalysts aimed at greenhouse gas utilization and sustainable syngas production, with activity and stability enhancements linked to controlled changes in metal – support interactions.

Source: Journal of CO2 Utilization

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2025.103270