DEVELOPING Ni-BASED HYDROTALCITE CATALYSTS WITH GROUP 9 METAL ADDITIVES FOR EFFICIENT DRY METHANE REFORMING

Abstract

The dry reforming of methane DRM is a promising process for converting the two most potent greenhouse gases: methane CH₄ and carbon dioxide CO₂ into valuable syngas offering a sustainable approach for greenhouse gas utilization. Despite its potential, the process is not industrialized due to lack of efficient catalysts that can withstand two major challenges of carbon deposition and sintering leading to catalyst deactivation in DRM. In this study, layered double hydroxide, also known as hydrotalcite HT catalysts, were investigated as they are known for their structural flexibility, tunability, and potential to prevent deposition of carbon in DRM. Furthermore, the addition of cobalt (Co), rhodium (Rh), and iridium (Ir) to the HT precursor were investigated and compared to evaluate their catalytic performance. These materials were synthesized using the co precipitation procedure and modified with 20 Ni-wt% of Co, Ir, and Rh. Addition of these elements is known to improve metal dispersion and catalytic performance, potentially reducing carbon formation and resulting in efficient dissociation of CH₄ and CO₂. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate the performance of catalysts with addition of group 9 elements to understand their influence on the catalytic properties of HT and their overall performance in the DRM reaction. By exploring the role of Group 9 elements as promoters, this study aims to address key challenges in the development of DRM catalysts and contribute towards efficient catalytic systems for sustainable syngas production.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Science and Engineering