Ni0.05Mn0.95O catalysts for the dry reforming of methane

•Ni0.05Mn0.95O formed ex-solution nickel supported on MnO after reduction at 500 °C.•Pre-sintered catalyst was stabilised against both sintering and C-deposition.•The Ni–MnO system is an active and stable catalyst for dry reforming of methane.•Ni0.05Mn0.95O/SiO2 spontaneously formed Ni/Mn2SiO4 at 600 °C in DRM conditions only.

The behaviour of nickel manganese catalysts Ni0.05Mn0.95O for the dry (carbon dioxide) reforming of methane was investigated from 500 to 800 °C. Prepared catalysts showed ex-solution nickel nanoparticles on the manganese surface, which sintered during reaction, deactivating the catalyst. By pre-sintering the catalyst at 750 °C in an inert atmosphere, deactivation from sintering and carbon deposition was avoided at temperatures below 800 °C. The resistance of the sintered catalyst against carbon deposition was assumed to be caused by SMSI effects. After dispersing the Ni0.05Mn0.95O catalyst on silica, the catalyst exhibits a leap in activity at 600 °C followed by slow deactivation, attributed to a spontaneous phase change to Ni/Mn2SiO4.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (240 K)Download as PowerPoint slide