Effect of Metal‐Support Interactions in Mixed Co/Al Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane

Abstract Composite Co/Al oxide materials were prepared via flame spray pyrolysis and examined as catalysts for the dry reforming of methane. The interaction between the metal (Co) and the support (Al‐oxide) was regulated by varying the Co : Al ratio and its influence on catalyst performance studied. The synthesis of materials with a Co content of 30 mol % (Co3Al7) promoted the formation of readily reduced and highly‐dispersed Co particles. This, in combination with a high relative surface basicity, contributed to Co3Al7 delivering a high and stable activity towards the dry reforming reaction. The formation of bulk Co3O4 particles, which exhibit weak interactions with the support material, in samples with a Co content of 50 (Co5Al5) and 70 mol % (Co7Al3) caused rapid catalyst deactivation via coking. The findings demonstrate the importance of metal‐support interactions between the Co catalyst and Al‐oxide support for the activity and selectivity in the dry reforming of methane. Highly dispersed Co deposits and high support basicity, induced by an ideal FSP Co : Al synthesis ratio, are key to delivering an active and stable catalyst for the dry reforming of methane.