Embedded Structure of Ni@PSi Catalysts for Steam Reforming of Methane

Embedding Ni nanoparticles (NPs) into supports has been widely accepted as one of solutions for Ni confinement. Herein, we have adopted a method of preparing well‐confined Ni NPs by precisely adjusting the reduction temperature of nickel contained phyllosilicates (PSi) materials to obtain Ni@PSi catalysts. H2 reduction at 600 °C for Ni‐PSi precursor was optimized to build the embedded structure with uniform Ni NPs (ca. 3.0 nm) incorporated into the well‐maintained PSi structure. Such structure not only endowed the highest reaction rate for steam reforming of methane (SRM), but kept the stability well under the harsh reaction conditions of SRM. Either too high (850 °C) or too low (400 °C) reduction temperature which could not form such embedded structure led to a quick deactivation due to obvious sintering of Ni and coke deposition. The present study provides a more effective way of keeping Ni NPs from sintering in SRM. A method of preparing well‐confined Ni NPs by adjusting the reduction temperature of Ni containing phyllosilicate materials was adopted. H2 reduction at 600 °C for Ni‐PSi precursor was optimized to build the embedded structure with uniform Ni NPs. Too high or too low reduction temperatures, which could not form an embedded structure, led to a quick deactivation.