Non-thermal plasma enabled catalytic dry reforming of methane over a ceria nanorod supported NiO catalyst: the role of Ru as a coke resistant active site

This study reports that a 14 wt% Ni-1 wt% Ru bimetallic catalyst supported on ceria (CeO2) nanorods (NRs) synthesized via wet impregnation can offer superior conversion and stability against coking during non-thermal plasma (NTP)-assisted dry reforming of methane (DRM) compared to monometallic Ni or Ru catalysts. This study revealed that when Ru was introduced as a promoter into the CeO2 NR supported Ni catalyst, the DRM conversion percentage increased significantly under NTP (CH4: 92% and CO2: 70%) at 450 degrees C. Unlike thermal catalysis, plasma catalysis resulted in high yield (46% CO and 40% H2) and selectivity (62% CO and 42% H2) at 450 degrees C. Additionally, the durability (60 minutes) of the catalyst was tested at 350 degrees C. The bimetallic synergy and formation of CeO2 NR supported Ni-O-Ru solid solution are believed to be the main causes of the significantly improved CH4 and CO2 conversions. The high coking resistance of the CeO2-NR supported Ni-Ru bimetallic catalyst is attributed to three major factors: (1) the role of Ru in weakening the bond between Ni sites and carbon; (2) the higher dispersion of Ni over the CeO2 NR surface; and (3) the accessibility of surface and lattice oxygen over the CeO2 NR support, which promotes excellent redox properties and carbon oxidation. The proposed non-equilibrium and bimetallic synergy approach paves the way for cost-efficient and durable DRM catalysts for scalable syngas production from two potent greenhouse gases, which could potentially apply to future energy-efficient industrial processes such as the production of syngas and other value-added chemicals. This study reports that a 14 wt% Ni-1 wt% Ru bimetallic catalyst supported on CeO2 nanorods can offer superior conversion and stability against coking during non-thermal plasma-assisted dry reforming of methane.