Fabrication of Zr-Ni Mesostructured Silica Nanocomposites via Consecutive In-Situ Electrolysis for Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane

Abstract

Hydrogen production via carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CRM) is a promising technology in solving the environmental problems and global energy. Development of a highly efficient, low-cost and stable catalysts seem to be crucial in accelerating its commercialization. In this study, a bimetallic Zr-Ni catalyst supported on MSN (Zr-Ni/MSN) was successfully prepared via consecutive in-situ electrolysis method. An investigation on the physicochemical properties was conducted using XRD, FESEM-EDX, N₂ adsorption-desorption, and CO₂-TPD analyses. The XRD results prove the successful incorporation of Ni and Zr in the MSN catalysts, and the calculated size of Ni particles were decreased upon the sequential addition of Zr into the catalyst.  FESEM and EDX elemental mapping analyses showed that, uniform distribution of spherical MSN particles was distorted to a greater extent upon the addition of Zr in the Zr-Ni/MSN catalyst, due to the formation coral-like mesoporous structure and pyramidal Zr-Ni metal structure. While, N₂ physisorption and CO₂-TPD analyses demonstrated that Zr promoter increased the textural properties and basicity of the catalyst. In the CRM, the Zr-Ni/MSN exhibited highest activity up to 97.6% CH₄ conversion and stability up to 50 h time on stream. The pyramidal structure of Ni-Zr was responsible in promoting better properties in the catalyst, thus led to a higher catalytic activity.