Tunable ceria–zirconia support for nickel–cobalt catalyst in the enhancement of methane dry reforming with carbon dioxide

•Glycol-thermal synthesis produces synergistic CeZr support with tunable ratios.•Optimal design wt. ratio for ceria–zirconia is 80:20 to support Ni–Co catalyst.•Low coking content of 0.47 wt.% is reported for 3 wt.% Ni–Co/CeZr (80:20).•Maximal conversion (90% CH4, 92% CO2) & output (32% H2, 44% CO) were achieved.

Ceria–zirconia mixed oxides (CeZr) were glycol-thermally synthesised as nano-crystalline supports with tunable ratios for the anchoring of nickel–cobalt (Ni–Co) catalyst to enhance methane dry reforming (MDR) reaction with carbon dioxide. High conversion of methane (90%) and carbon dioxide (92%), good output (H2 = 32%; CO = 44%), and selectivity and stability of syngas prove the effectiveness of the catalyst deposited on this support. 80:20 for Ce:Zr was identified as the optimal ratio to attain active and stable catalytic performance in MDR, with a low coking content of 0.47 wt.%.

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