Highly stable Ni-based catalysts supported on silica nanofibers for the dry reforming of methane with CO2-rich feedstock

Hydrogen production is a critical factor in implementing low-carbon societies. The dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a promising technology for supporting the hydrogen economy, and catalyst development is vital for enhancing the efficiency of dry reforming reactions. In this study, the catalytic performances of two different Ni–Ce composites over silica fiber (NiCe/SF) and a Ni catalyst over SiO₂–CeO₂ composite fibers were studied in the DRM with a fixed-bed reactor and two different CO₂:CH₄ ratios in the feed (50:50 and 85:15). Well-dispersed metal clusters were observed on the surface of the catalysts owing to the effect of CeO₂. Temperature-programmed reduction of hydrogen analysis indicated that the presence of CeO₂ increased metal–support interactions in the synthesized systems. All samples showed a CH₄ conversion of >80 %. The Ni-based catalysts on SF showed an H₂/CO ratio of ∼1.2, approaching the H₂/CO requirement of the Fischer–Tropsch reaction. The 10 %Ni/Ce-SF catalyst exhibited good stability under the reaction conditions for over 50 h and could be reused for up to three cycles; only 4.5 % coking was observed on the spent catalyst. The results of this study confirm that Ni-based catalysts on SF show good catalytic activity in the DRM, opening the way for research on the design and development of sustainable hydrogen production strategies.