Insight into the activity of Ni-based thermal catalysts for dry reforming of methane

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a sustainable technology that converts methane and carbon dioxide into syngas, achieving value-added utilization of greenhouse gases and reducing carbon emissions in the energy industry. Ni-based catalysts are preferred for promoting the DRM reaction due to their high activity and low price compared to other active metals. However, the long-term catalytic stability of Ni-based catalysts is limited by carbon deposition and metal sintering. In this review, the mechanism of the formation and elimination of carbon deposition in the DRM reaction is proposed first. Then, a comprehensive summary of the current development of Ni-based catalysts for the DRM reaction is presented. The summary highlights various aspects from an experimental perspective that affect the activity and stability of catalysts, including synthesis methods and conditions, selection of supports, doping of promoters and second active metals, and regulation of reaction conditions. Additionally, it also covers the practical application conditions of catalysts, aiming to promote the industrial application of DRM reaction. The review summarizes recent research progresses and methods for tuning Ni-based thermocatalysts to improve the activity of dry reforming of methane.