Particle size effect in the low temperature reforming of methane by carbon dioxide on silica-supported Ni nanoparticles

The influence of nickel particle size in the range of 1.6–7.3 nm on catalyst performance in low temperature CO2 reforming of methane reaction has been investigated using well-defined catalysts based on a neutral silica support. XAS and XPS studies indicated a reduction degree greater than 90%. The intrinsic Ni/SiO2 performances were found to be independent of nickel particle size in dry reforming at 773 K using a CH4/CO2 ratio of 1.3 at 1 atm, both at an early stage and in steady state conditions. The H2/CO ratio was also found to be structure in sensitive but is controlled by thermodynamics through the faster reverse water gas shift reaction.