Catalytic role of β-Mo2C in DRM catalysts that contain Ni and Mo

•The Mo-containing catalysts are superior to Ni/La2O3 in catalytic stability in DRM reaction.•β-Mo2C acts as an important intermediate to participate the reaction.•Better resistance to carbon deposition obtained over Mo containing catalysts.

The Mo-containing Ni-Mo2C/La2O3 catalyst was prepared and its catalytic performance compared with that of Ni/La2O3 for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). The former shows better catalytic stability, and there is the formation of Ni and La2MoO6 and a small amount of β-Mo2C. By comparing Ni-Mo2C/La2O3 with the Ni/La2MoO6 and NiMoOx/La2O3 catalysts that are similar in Ni and Mo loadings, we clarify the catalytic role of β-Mo2C in DRM reaction.

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