Preparation and catalytic activity of a mesoporous silica-coated Ni-alumina-based catalyst for selective CO methanation

•CO methanation-selectivity of Ni/Al2O3 catalyst was improved by vanadium addition.•Ni/AlVOx particles were successfully coated by thin mesoporous silica (MS) layers.•CO removal activity and durability were dramatically improved by the MS-coating.

A mesoporous silica-coated Ni/alumina-based catalyst was developed for selective CO methanation, which is a promising candidate as a new hydrogen purification process for a residential PEFC system. Over the new catalyst, CO removal activity and durability were dramatically improved. In this study, the structure of the catalyst and mechanism for the improvement of catalytic performance will be discussed.