One-Step Solvothermal Synthesis of Ni Nanoparticle Catalysts Embedded in ZrO 2 Porous Spheres to Suppress Carbon Deposition in Low-Temperature Dry Reforming of Methane

Ni nanoparticle catalysts embedded in ZrO porous spheres and ZrO porous composite spheres, SiO -ZrO , MgO-ZrO , and Y O -ZrO , with 83-115 nm diameter and 167-269 m /g specific surface area were prepared by a one-pot and one-step solvothermal reaction from precursor solutions consisting of Ni(NO ) ‧6H O, Zr(O Bu) , and acetylacetone in moist ethanol combined with either Si(OEt) , magnesium acetylacetate, or Y(O Pr) . The obtained Ni catalysts have high specific surface areas of 130-196 m /g, even after high-temperature reduction by H at 450 °C for 2 h. They were utilized as catalysts for low-temperature dry reforming of methane (DRM) at 550 °C to suppress carbon deposition on Ni nanoparticles. The Ni catalysts embedded in SiO -ZrO and Y O -ZrO demonstrated high catalytic activity and long stability in the reaction. Moreover, carbon deposition on Ni nanoparticles in the DRM reaction was effectively suppressed in when using the SiO -ZrO and Y O -ZrO composites.