NaBH₄-Assisted Synthesis of B–(Ni–Co)/MgAl₂O₄ Nanostructures for the Catalytic Dry Reforming of Methane

Abstract

Carbon deposition on a catalyst surface is detrimental to the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction. The addition of boron (B) is found to be effective in lowering carbon deposition. In this study, bimetallic Ni, Co catalysts over MgAl 2 O 4 (MA) [B−(Ni−Co)/ MA] with different Ni/Co ratios are synthesized by the NaBH 4 reduction method and examined for DRM at 600 °C and atmospheric pressure. The NaBH 4 plays crucial roles in reducing metal salt to metal, incorporating B, and enhancing the dispersion of active metallic species in a one-step catalyst preparation method. Rod-like Ni−Co alloy and B−(Ni−Co) nanostructures on the two-dimensional flakes of MA are observed. The Ni-rich B-containing bimetallic [B−(75Ni−25Co)] catalyst exhibits better methane and carbon dioxide conversions compared to other prepared catalysts. The turnover frequency (CH 4 ) and produced syngas ratio of the B-catalyst are 1.5 and 1.04 times, respectively, higher than the non-B catalyst prepared by the traditional impregnation method with the same Ni/Co ratio. The catalyst [B− (75Ni−25Co)] exhibits higher activity and almost a steady conversion rate, while continuous decrement is observed for the non-B catalyst. Exceptionally low carbon deposition (∼3.6 times) was observed for B−(75Ni−25Co)/ MA than the non-B catalyst. Furthermore, the density functional theory investigation also revealed that the adsorption energy (E ads ) of carbon at various sites of 75Ni25Co significantly reduces by ∼0.5 eV in the presence of B, causing hindrance to the formation of carbon over the surface.

Optimizing barium promoter for nickel catalyst supported on yttria‐stabilized zirconia in dry reforming of methane

“…The carbon is deposited over the active sites of nickel, which blocks the catalyst bed, hence increasing the pressure drop along the catalyst bed, clogging the reactor, and shutting down the plant 10,11 . Consequently, preventing carbon deposition and prolonging the catalyst life are essential 12 . It is well known that particle size, surface area, surface acidity and basicity, metal dispersion, and thermal stability of the support and its interaction with metal impact global catalyst efficiency 5 .…”

NiCu Alloy/Perovskite Nanoparticle Catalyst for Methanol Steam Reforming via Prereduction and In Situ Exsolution Technology

“…After the test, the Re-LCMNCu catalyst was examined by Raman spectroscopy, TG-DSC, and SEM, in order to understand their performance. In Raman spectral analysis (Figure a), no signal of carbon fiber was detected at 1350 cm –1 (peak D) and 1580 cm –1 (peak G), which were related to typical carbon species Figure b shows the profiles of TG-DSC analysis for Re-LCMNCu after the reforming test.…”

“…In Raman spectral analysis (Figure 11a), no signal of carbon fiber was detected at 1350 cm −1 (peak D) and 1580 cm −1 (peak G), which were related to typical carbon species. 51 Figure 11b shows the profiles of TG-DSC analysis for Re-LCMNCu after the reforming test. It was reported that the weight loss and heat release in the temperature range between 500 and 700 °C were caused by the oxidation of the deposited graphitic carbon.…”

A review on catalyst development for conventional thermal dry reforming of methane at low temperature

“…Except for Si and C, the introduction of boron (B) was also found to efficiently reduce the coke formation and improve the catalytic activity of the catalyst at low temperatures. [ 140 ] Shakir et al synthesized a B–NiCo/MgAl 2 O 4 catalyst by using NaBH 4 as a reducing agent, which not only reduces the Ni and Co but also introduces the B as a promoter. [ 140 ] In summary, the introduction of nonmetal promoters (especially C and B) into DRM catalysts was simple but effective.…”

“…[ 140 ] Shakir et al synthesized a B–NiCo/MgAl 2 O 4 catalyst by using NaBH 4 as a reducing agent, which not only reduces the Ni and Co but also introduces the B as a promoter. [ 140 ] In summary, the introduction of nonmetal promoters (especially C and B) into DRM catalysts was simple but effective. With efficient improvement in catalytic reactivity, the introduction of nonmetal promoters into catalysts will attract more research interests to develop more efficient catalysts and deeply understand the impacts of these promoters in low‐temperature DRM reactions.…”