Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Performance of La1-xCexNi1-yZryO3 Perovskite Nanocatalysts in Dry Reforming of Methane

La1-xCexNi1-yZryO3 perovskite nanocatalysts were prepared by a method called citrate sol-gel. The samples were studied by the methods as X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technique.The BET method was used to determine the specific surface area. In addition, scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques were employed to study the morphology of the prepared samples31. The XRD patterns confirmed the formation of perovskite with well-crystallized structure in doping level up to x= 0.1 and y= 0.2. The results of morphology studies revealed that homogenous particles in nanometer range were achieved. Based on the TPR analysis, reduction process occurred at higher temperatures and became difficult as the doping level of Zr increases. The catalytic performance was studied in dry reforming of methane (DRM) with CO2. The catalyst La0.9Ce0.1Ni0.8Zr0.2O3 perovskite provides the highest catalytic performance. CH4 conversion was more than 60%, CO2 conversion was more than70% and the H2/CO molar ratio was ~1, respectively. Catalytic activity of La1-xCexNi1-yZryO3 nanocatalysts was enhanced when the doping level of Zr (y) increased up to 0.2, and the following result was obtained for H2/CO ratio: LaNiO3 > La0.9Ce0.1Ni0.8Zr0.2O3 > La0.9Ce0.1Ni0.9Zr0.1O3 > La0.9Ce0.1NiO3