Design of coke-free methane dry reforming catalysts by molecular tuning of nitrogen-rich combustion precursors

The valorization of methane and carbon dioxide is a promising solution for mitigating global warming. The dry reforming of methane (DRM) is capable of concomitant conversion of these greenhouse gases into starting materials for production of synthetic fuels, promoting a carbon neutral avenue for fuel production. The development of efficient, stable, and economic catalysts presents a challenge owing to the comparatively rapid deactivation of DRM catalysts under reaction conditions. Here, Ni/La₂O₃ DRM catalysts are prepared by combustion synthesis of Ni and La complexes of nitrogen-rich precursors. We expound the relationship between structures of the combustion precursors, the thermochemistry of their combustion, the structures of the resultant Ni/La₂O₃ catalysts, and their performance under DRM conditions. We show that the best catalyst is derived from energetic precursor which has the sharpest exotherm and rapidly releases the largest amounts of nitrogen gas. These properties give rise to the crystallization of the Ni/La₂O₃ catalyst with high Ni dispersion and strong metal-support interactions. This work can act as starting point to expand the link between the chemistry of combustion precursors and the resulting catalyst properties, eventually realizing the rational design of high-performance catalysts prepared by combustion synthesis through tailoring the chemistry and structure of the nitrogen-rich precursors.