A review on catalyst development for dry reforming of methane to syngas: recent advances

Abstract

The abrupt and massive deactivation of methane dry reforming catalysts especially Ni-based is still a monumental impediment towards its industrialization and commercialization for production of value-added syngas via Fischer-Tropsch process. The need for further and more critical understanding of inherent and tailored interactions of catalyst components for performance and stability enhancement during reforming reaction cannot be over-emphasized. This review provides a contemporary assessment of progresses recorded on synergistic interplay among catalyst components (active metals, support, promoters and binders) during dry reforming using state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical techniques. Advancements achieved during interplay leading to improvements in properties of existing catalysts and discovery of novel ones were stated and expatiated. Reaction pathways, catalytic activities, selection of appropriate synthesis route and metal/support deactivation via sintering or carbon deposition have over time been successfully studied and explained using information from these crucial component interactions. This perspective describes the roles of these interactions and their applications towards development of robust catalysts configurations for successful industrial applications.