Design Strategy, Synthesis, and Mechanism of Ni Catalysts for Methane Dry Reforming Reaction: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Methane dry reforming (MDR, CH4 + CO2 → CO + H2) receives great attention because of the contributions to reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and producing valuable syngas. In order to provide a clear sense of the progress of Ni-based catalysts for MDR in recent decades, we summarized the latest related research papers to illustrate new achievements from the aspects of catalyst preparation and molecule activation. First, the reaction patterns and thermodynamics in MDR are briefly introduced. Then, recent advances in design strategy, synthesis approaches, and the MDR mechanism of Ni catalysts are reviewed in detail. Finally, general remarks and perspectives for MDR in the near future are suggested. The challenges of sintering and carbon deposition on the Ni-based catalysts can be alleviated by rational catalyst design and synthesis, and the pathway of MDR can be revealed by mechanism investigation. These strongly support the establishment of a structure–performance relationship for the MDR reaction over the Ni-based catalysts. It is hoped that this paper will give researchers new ideas and guidance for innovation regarding the MDR reaction, especially for designing stable Ni catalysts and studying the MDR mechanism.