(251c) Design of MOF(BTC) Derived Ni/Al2O3 Catalysts for Syngas Production Via Tri-Reforming of Methane

The conversion of greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals offers a promising strategy for mitigating environmental impact. Tri-reforming of methane (TRM), which simultaneously integrates steam reforming, dry reforming, and partial oxidation of methane represents a more comprehensive and efficient route for syngas production with precise control of the syngas ratio. A critical aspect of TRM is the development of robust catalysts capable of maintaining high activity and stability under harsh reaction conditions, particularly in minimizing carbon deposition (coking), which leads to catalyst deactivation. While traditional transition metal-based catalysts, such as Ni and Co, have demonstrated high activity, their susceptibility to sintering and coke formation remains a challenge. In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as attractive precursors for catalyst synthesis due to their tunable structures, high surface areas, and uniform distribution of metal sites.

In this study, novel Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts were synthesized using a MOF-derived approach via a simple solvothermal method. A series of catalysts with varying Ni loadings were prepared and characterized using N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction. The 5%Ni/Al₂O₃ catalyst achieved CO₂ and CH₄ conversions of 20% and 60%, respectively, at 700 °C with excellent long-term stability. All catalysts demonstrated remarkable stability over 24 h at 700 °C. Notably, increasing nickel loading to 50%Ni/Al₂O₃ resulted in enhanced CO₂ and CH₄ conversions of 45% and 87%, respectively, with a H₂/CO ratio of 2.03 and minimal coke formation. These findings demonstrate the strong potential of MOF-derived Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts for stable and efficient TRM applications, offering a promising route toward sustainable syngas production.