Solution Combustion Synthesized Ni-Based Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane Reaction Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor

Dry reforming of methane (DRM), a process that converts two major greenhouse gases, methane and carbon dioxide, into valuable syngas, presents a promising avenue for a more sustainable future. However, the reaction's high endothermicity and catalyst deactivation due to carbon formation poses significant challenges for its widespread adoption. To address these issues, this study investigated a series of promoted NiO/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts, incorporating different promoters (Mg, Zn, and Mn). The catalysts were synthesized via solution combustion synthesis; the catalytic performance and carbon resistance of these catalysts were evaluated. Results demonstrated that manganese-promoted NiO/gamma-Al2O3 exhibited superior performance, achieving methane and carbon dioxide conversions of 13.2% and 13.5%, respectively. Additionally, this catalyst exhibited higher total energy efficiency (3.3 mmol kJ(-)(1)) and total specific energy input (2.7 J mL(-)(1)) compared to its counterparts. The H2-to-CO ratio of approximately 1.1 at a discharge power of 1.5 W suggests its potential for direct application in the Fischer-Tropsch process, producing liquid fuels such as LPG, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.