Exceptional stability of hydrotalcite derived spinel Mg(Ni)Al2O4 catalyst for dry reforming of methane

Development of methane dry reforming catalyst is very important for economical production of syngas from CH 4 and CO 2 and reduction of greenhouse gases. Ni-based hydrotalcite derived spinel catalysts were synthesized for dry reforming of methane (DRM). Properties of the catalyst such as reducibility, basicity, morphology, texture and crystal structure, had a great impact on catalyst’s activity and stability. Superior catalytic activity and stability during DRM process was achieved with the formation of hydrotalcite derived spinel (NiAl 2 O 4 ) structures, eruption of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) from carbon layer, and formation of Ni 0 active sites on the tips of these CNFs. The Ni particles from reduction of NiO and NiAl 2 O 4 evolved on top of the CNFs and provided a strong metal–support interactions resulting in high resistance against sintering and coking at 850 °C during the long-term DRM process (200 h). • Ni-based hydrotalcite derived spinel catalysts were synthesized for dry reforming of methane. • Optimal ratio of 1.4 was obtained for the resultant product of H 2 to CO at 850 °C. • Exceptional stability of the catalyst was demonstrated up to 200 h at 850 °C. • Formation of carbon nanofibers with Ni 0 particles at the tip was responsible for the exceptional stability.