Nickel Supported on Y2O3-ZrO2as Highly Selective and Stable CO2Methanation Catalyst for in-Situ Propellant Production on Mars

Production of propellant for the return to Earth from in-situ resources allows not transporting the return fuel in space explorations. CO2from Martian atmosphere may react with H2 to produce methane and water by Sabatier reaction. The activity of Ni (10 wt%) supported on Y2O3-ZrO2, by different preparation methods, was compared. Structural characterization by XRD, TPR and TEM, evidenced that catalytic performances for CO2methanation mainly depended on the Ni°particle size and morphology. In particular, the catalyst prepared by wet impregnation with Ni(EDTA)⁻² complex, having high nickel dispersion and strong Ni-support interaction, showed remarkable activity, selectivity and stability over time on stream using stoichiometric flow (CO2:H2= 1:4), appearing like a reliable catalyst for Sabatier process.