Support effect of Ni/mesoporous silica catalysts for CO 2 reforming of CH 4

Mesoporous silica KIT-6-, SBA-15-, and MCM-41-supported Ni catalysts (Ni/KIT-6, Ni/SBA-15, and Ni/MCM-41) were prepared via impregnation method and studied for CO2 reforming of CH4. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, N2 physisorption measurements, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and temperature-programmed oxidation (O2-TPO). The Ni/KIT-6 catalyst exhibited higher catalytic activity and long-term stability compared with Ni/SBA-15 or Ni/MCM-41. The conversion of CH4 and CO2 over Ni/KIT-6 was 99 and 99 %, respectively. The superior catalytic behavior of Ni/KIT-6 is closely related to the large-pore cubic Ia3d structure of KIT-6, which enhanced dispersion of Ni nanoparticles, reduced carbon deposition, and increased diffusion of reactant and products.