Sintering and coking resistant core–shell microporous silica–nickel nanoparticles for CO methanation: Towards advanced catalysts production

Sintering and coking resistant core–shell microporous silica–nickel nanoparticles for CO methanation: Towards advanced catalysts production

Type	Journal Article
Author	Mattia A. Lucchini
Author	Andrea Testino
URL	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926337315301387
Volume	182
Pages	94-101
Publication	Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
Date	March 2016
Abstract	Catalysts are employed for large scale production of at least 90% of everyday goods. Many energy transformation chains use catalysts at relatively high temperature. Consequently, deactivation due to sintering and poisoning is a common phenomenon and often the reason for unsuccessful implementation of new catalytic processes. Researchers investigate a Ni-based catalyst for CO methanation to address two specific issues: sintering and the carbon deposition. The engineered material was composed of a Ni core of about 170 nm protected by a 30–40 nm microporous SiO2 layer. The porous layer allowed the gases to permeate and completely inhibit particle–particle sintering. Experimental results revealed that even in the presence of 2000 ppm of C2H4, no carbon deposition occurs on the catalyst surface. The materials exhibited outstanding properties, suggesting a novel class of advanced functional material with improved catalytic activity and stability.