Engineering the surface structure of nanostructured Ni catalyst by doping titanium towards highly efficient CO2 reforming of methane

A series of nanostructured Ni/SBA-16 catalysts doped with different Ti loadings (0–10 wt%) were prepared and their catalytic behaviors were investigated in the CO₂ reforming of methane reaction. Comprehensive physicochemical analyses revealed that a 2 wt% Ti -doping markedly lowered Ni particle size, enlarged specific surface area and mesopore volume, facilitated NiO reduction, intensified metal–support interaction, and enriched surface-active oxygen species, leading to optimal catalytic activity and coke resistance. However, higher Ti loadings (5–10 %) caused degradation of these structural properties compared to the optimal 2 wt% Ti loading, primarily due to the formation of NiTiO₃ oxides. Consequently, catalytic performance was significantly reduced. Based on these findings, a synergistic relationship between the active metal (Ni) and tailored surface characteristics was established, which was correlated with the enhanced catalytic activity in the CO₂ reforming of methane reaction.