Embedding high loading and uniform Ni nanoparticles into silicalite-1 zeolite for dry reforming of methane

Embedding Ni nanoparticles (NPs) into supports has been widely accepted as one of solutions for Ni confinement, but high loading usually stands on the opposite of being well dispersed and encapsulated. Herein, we developed a controlled ‘dissolution-recrystallization’ method of embedding high loading and uniform Ni NPs into the shell of hollow silicalite-1 (S-1) zeolite. The sizes of Ni NPs maintained at ca. 4–5 nm with increasing Ni loading from 3% to 20%, and the TOF kept at ca. 60 s−1 (800 °C) in the dry reforming of methane reaction. The augmented density of active sites with Ni loading rendered an outstanding reaction rate of 20.0 molCH4/gcat/h over 20% [email protected] The embedded structure also endowed a good stability upon running for 150 h. This study paves the way for embedding high loading and uniform metal nanoparticles inside the zeolite, providing an effective strategy to stabilize metals under harsh reaction conditions.