Core-Shell Structured Ni@SiO2 Catalysts Exhibiting Excellent Catalytic Performance for Syngas Methanation Reactions

In this study, we prepared core-shell structured Ni@SiO2 catalysts using chemical precipitation and modified Stöber methods. The obtained Ni@SiO2 samples exhibited excellent catalysis performances, including high CO conversion of 99.0% and CH4 yield of 89.8%. Moreover, Ni@SiO2 exhibited excellent catalytic stability during a 100 h lifetime test, which was superior to that of the Ni/SiO2 catalyst. The prepared samples were characterized using a series of techniques, and the results indicated that the catalytic performance for syngas methanation reaction of the Ni@SiO2 sample was markedly improved owing to its nanoreactor structure. The strong interaction between the Ni core and the SiO2 shell effectively restrained the growth of particles, and the deposition of C species.