High Carbon-Resistance Ni@CeO2 Core–Shell Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane

Ni@CeO2 core–shell catalysts were synthesized via a facile surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method and their catalytic performance in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction was evaluated. A variety of techniques including XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, SEM, TEM, TPO, TGA were employed to characterize the prepared or spent catalysts. The encapsulation by the CeO2 shell, on one side, can restrict the sintering and growth of Ni nanoparticles under harsh reaction conditions. On the other side, compared to the conventional shell material of SiO2, CeO2 can provide more lattice oxygens and vacancies, which is helpful to suppress coke deposition. Consequently, the Ni@CeO2 core–shell catalysts exhibited better catalytic activity and stability in the DRM reaction with respect to the referenced Ni@SiO2 core–shell catalysts and Ni/CeO2 supported catalysts.