Phyllosilicate evolved hierarchical Ni- and Cu–Ni/SiO2 nanocomposites for methane dry reforming catalysis

• Hierarchical SiO2 supported Ni and Cu–Ni nanoparticles (∼7 nm) were synthesized.
• The composite possesses strong metal–support interaction than the impregnated one.
• The hierarchical composites show pronounced coke and sintering resistance in DRM.

Well dispersed Ni and Cu–Ni alloy nanoparticles (∼7 nm) embedded in nanosheets of hierarchical SiO2 hollow spheres (surface area > 400 m2/g) have been synthesized through a hydrothermal process and have shown superior catalytic performance in methane dry reforming (DRM) reaction to the impregnated control sample based on SiO2 nanospheres. The catalytic activity and the sintering and coke resistant properties of the hierarchical composite catalysts in the high temperature DRM catalysis are ascribed to the strong metal–support interaction and the well dispersed small metal nanoparticles.

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