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Ni-La confined in TiO2 nanotubes with efficient activity and stability for dry methane reforming

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  • Niu, Zizhen
  • Han, Peiwei
  • Du, Yilin
  • Han, Ziteng
  • Lang, Lin
  • Li, Xinjun
  • Yin, Xiuli

Abstract

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) has emerged as a dual-functional strategy for carbon neutrality and sustainable hydrogen production. Herein, we design a catalyst based on titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2NTs) confined by nickel (Ni) and the rare earth element lanthanum (La) for dry methane reforming. The confined catalyst (La/Ni@TiO2NTs) exhibits superior catalytic performance, achieving 92.5 % CH4 conversion and 86.4 % CO2 conversion at 650 °C, with a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 4500 mL g−1 h−1 under atmospheric pressure. Moreover, remarkable stability was demonstrated during 100 h of continuous operation. Catalysts were characterized by CO2-TPD, TPR, XPS, XRD, and in situ DRIFTS to correlate catalyst performance with structural properties. The synergistic effect of Ni and La enhances the dissociation of CH4 and CO2, while the electron-deficient environment of TiO2NTs further strengthens this enhancement, promoting efficient and stable reaction. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the design of efficient, carbon-resistant catalysts for reforming reactions in biomass utilization.

Suggested Citation

  • Niu, Zizhen & Han, Peiwei & Du, Yilin & Han, Ziteng & Lang, Lin & Li, Xinjun & Yin, Xiuli, 2025. "Ni-La confined in TiO2 nanotubes with efficient activity and stability for dry methane reforming," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:248:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125008122
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123150
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