One-Pot Synthesis of Ni0.05Ce0.95O2−δ Catalysts with Nanocubes and Nanorods Morphology for CO2 Methanation Reaction and in Operando DRIFT Analysis of Intermediate Species

The valorization of CO2 via renewable energy sources allows one to obtain carbon-neutral fuels through its hydrogenation, like methane. In this study, Ni0.05Ce0.95O2−δ catalysts were prepared using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method yielding nanorod and nanocube particles be used for the methanation reaction. Samples characterized by XRD, BET, TEM, H2-TPR, H2-TPD experiments. catalytic activity tests revealed that best performing catalyst was Ni0.05Ce0.95O2−δ, with morphology, which gave conversion 40% selectivity CH4 as high 93%, operating at 325 °C GHSV 240,000 cm3 h−1 g−1. However, lower activation found morphology. Furthermore, an in operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) analysis performed flowing CO2:H2 or CO:H2 mixture, showing main reaction pathway, methanation, is direct hydrogenation formate intermediate.