Coking-resistant dry reforming of methane over Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts by rationally steering metal-support interaction

The coking issue is the main challenge for dry reforming of methane (DRM) over Ni-based catalysts. Herein, we excavate the reasons for the enhanced coking resistance of the bounded Ni over the free state Ni in Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts for DRM. Rational metal-support interaction of the bounded Ni would facilitate desorption of CO, thus suppressing CO disproportionation and decreasing carbon deposition. The higher activity of the bounded Ni is ascribed to better methane cracking ability, stronger adsorption, and activation of CO₂ by forming polydentate carbonate. The better activation of CO₂ over the bounded Ni would also contribute to the gasification of formed coke. We gain an insight into the anti-coking mechanism of DRM determined by metal-support interaction in Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts through mechanistic studies. It is believed that our findings would enlighten the design of more efficient catalysts for DRM.