Effects of Nd, Ce, and La modification on catalytic performance of Ni/SBA-15 catalyst in CO2 reforming of CH4

Rare-earth metal (Nd, Ce, and La) oxides modified Ni/SBA-15 catalysts were prepared by a β-cyclodextrin-modified impregnation method. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption, temperature-programmed reduction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The catalytic performance of the catalysts was evaluated in the CO2 reforming of CH4 to syngas. The characterization results showed that Nd, Ce, and La modification had little effect on the textural structures and crystalline phases of the obtained catalysts but influenced the reduction of NiO species. Addition of Nd favored interactions between Ni and SiO2, possibly as a result of the formation of Ni-Nd-O species. The results for the CO2 reforming of CH4 revealed that the addition of suitable amounts of Nd (5–10 wt%) improved the catalytic activity and stability. A small amount of carbon was deposited over the used Nd-modified catalysts. The properties of Ni/SBA-15 catalysts modified with La and Ce were similar to those of the Nd-modified catalysts.

Graphical AbstractRare-earth (RE) metals acted as promoters by connecting NiO and SBA-15 through Ni-RE-O species, which facilitated NiO reduction and improved the performance of modified Ni/SBA-15 catalysts in CO2 reforming of CH4.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide