Unveiling the enhanced role of Ni-La2O2CO3 for low-temperature dry reforming of methane

Lanthanum oxycarbonate (La₂O₂CO₃) is traditionally considered an intermediate in Ni-La₂O₃ catalyzed dry reforming of methane (DRM), but its direct application has been limited. This study investigates the catalytic properties of Ni-La₂O₃ (Ni-LO) and Ni-La₂O₂CO₃ (Ni-LOC) to understand their performance in low-temperature DRM (≤600 °C, LTDRM). Our study shows that under LTDRM conditions, Ni-LOC offers a larger specific surface area and increased electron cloud density around Ni, enhancing CH₄ activation. The absence of strong basic sites prevents carbon formation from the Boudouard reaction and stronger metal-support interaction enhances carbon resistances. Consequently, Ni-LOC exhibits CH₄ and CO₂ conversions of 30.8 % and 40.9 %, respectively, with lower carbon deposition than Ni-LO (4.92 % vs. 9.68 % weight loss). This study not only clarifies the mechanism of La₂O₂CO₃ in LTDRM but also offers insights into designing catalysts with improved resistance to coking.