Ni Supported on Pr-Doped Ceria as Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane

The use of CH4 and CO2 as fuels in direct internal reforming solid oxide fuel cells (DIR-SOFCs) is a promising strategy for efficient power generation with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, Ni catalysts supported on Ce–Pr mixed oxides with varying Pr contents (0–80 mol%) were synthesized, calcined at 1200 °C, and tested for dry reforming of methane (DRM), aiming at their application as catalytic layers in SOFC anodes. Physicochemical characterization (XRD, TPR, TEM) showed that increasing Pr loading enhances catalyst reducibility and promotes the formation of the Pr2NiO4 phase, which contributes to the generation of smaller Ni0 particles after reduction. Catalytic tests revealed that all samples exhibited low-carbon deposition, attributed to the large Ni crystallites. The catalyst with 80 mol% Pr showed the best performance, achieving the highest CH4 conversion (72%), a H2/CO molar ratio of 0.89, and improved stability. These findings suggest that Ni/Ce0.2Pr0.8 could be a promising candidate for use as a catalyst layer of anodes in DIR-SOFC anodes. Although electrochemical data are not yet available, future work will evaluate the catalyst’s performance and durability under SOFC-relevant conditions.