Nano-engineered nickel catalysts supported on 4-channel Α-Al₂O₃ hollow fibers for dry reforming of methane

A nickel (Ni) nanoparticle catalyst, supported on 4-channel α-Al₂O₃ hollow fibers, was synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles were successfully deposited on the outside surfaces and the inside porous structures of hollow fibers. The catalyst was employed to catalyze the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction and showed a methane reforming rate of 2040 Lh⁻¹gNi⁻¹ at 800°C. NiAl₂O₄ spinel was formed when Ni nanoparticles were deposited on alpha-alumina substrates by ALD, which enhanced the Ni-support interaction. Different cycles (two, five, and ten) of Al₂O₃ ALD films were applied on the Ni/hollow fiber catalysts to further improve the interaction between the Ni nanoparticles and the hollow fiber support. Both the catalyst activity and stability were improved with the deposition of Al₂O₃ ALD films. Among the Al₂O₃ ALD coated catalysts, the catalyst with five cycles of Al₂O₃ ALD showed the best performance.