Stable NiO–CeO2 nanoparticles with improved carbon resistance for methane dry reforming

High surface area mixed oxide 8.7% NiO-CeO2 nanoparticles (122 m2/g; 6–7 nm) were prepared using a reversed microemulsion method, and tested for dry methane reforming (DRM). The catalytic activity of these remains stable under the severe conditions DRM (700 °C), they show better carbon resistance than conventional catalysts without control size. selectivity reference catalyst are similar, but reduce accumulation by 63% during tests, which is key feature this reaction. XPS H2-TPR suggest that improved due to interaction cooperation between NiO CeO2 phases. In nanoparticles, participation cerium cations in redox processes taking place stabilizes cationic species nickel. On contrary, size suffers segregation Ni reaction, segregated explains higher formation carbon.