Particle size effect in the low temperature reforming of methane by carbon dioxide on silica-supported Ni nanoparticles

► Different silica supported nickel catalyst prepared with varying particle size (1.6-7.3 nm). ► Neutral silica support favours a very high reduction degree (> 90%) at 500°C. ► Intrinsic Ni/SiO2 performances are independent of nickel particle size in dry reforming at 773 K. ► The H2/CO ratio is controlled by the thermodynamic of the fast reverse water gas shift reaction.