CO2 reforming of dimethyl ether over Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

Onboard CO2 reforming of dimethyl ether can be a novel and green route for hydrogen and CO production. This paper studies CO2 reforming of DME over Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst for the first time. The experimental results show that CO2 reforming of DME is feasible. Conversion of DME is 100% when the temperature is higher than 550 °C, and conversion of CO2 increases sharply to 80% at 700 °C. The selectivities of H2 and CO rise with increasing reaction temperature. In addition, the reaction network and coke formation are studied through the analytical results of XRD, XPS, TG and H2-TPR testing.

Graphical abstractOnboard CO2 reforming of dimethyl ether can be a novel and green route for hydrogen production. The conversion of DME is 100% and the conversion of CO2 is about 70%, while the selectivities of CO and H2 exceed 60% and 70%, respectively on Ni/γ-A12O3 at 650 °C.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights►CO2 reforming of DME on Ni/γ-Al2O3 to hydrogen is studied for the first time. ►The probable active site of Ni/Al2O3 is NiAl2O4. ►The conversion of DME is 100% and the conversion of CO2 is 80% at 700 °C. ►The selectivities of CO and H2 exceed 63% and 74% respectively at 700 °C. ►Higher temperature can significantly lower the coke deposition.