Cerium d-Block Element (Co, Ni) Bimetallic Oxides as Catalysts for the Methanation of CO2: Effect of Pressure

Nickel- and cobalt-cerium bimetallic oxides were used as catalysts for the methanation of CO2 under pressure. The catalysts' activity increases with pressure and an increase of just 10 bar is enough to double the yield of methane and to significantly improve the selectivity. The best results were those obtained over nickel-cerium bimetallic oxides, but the effect of pressure was particularly relevant over cobalt-cerium bimetallic oxides, which yield to methane increases from almost zero at atmospheric pressure to 50-60% at 30 bar. Both catalyst types are remarkably competitive, especially those containing nickel, which were always more active than a commercial rhodium catalyst used as a reference (5(wt).(%) Rh/Al2O3) and tested under the same conditions. For the cobalt-cerium bimetallic oxides, the existence of a synergetic interaction between Co and CoO and the formation of cobalt carbides seems to play an important role in their catalytic behavior. Correlation between experimental reaction rates and simulated data confirms that the catalysts' behavior follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson kinetic model, but Le Chatelier's principle is also important to understand the catalysts' behavior under pressure. A catalyst recycle study was also performed. The results obtained after five cycles using a nickel-cerium catalyst show insignificant variations in activity and selectivity, which are important for any type of practical application.

Automated summary

Nickel- and cobalt-cerium bimetallic oxides are effective catalysts for the methanation of CO2. Pressure has a significant impact on catalyst activity, with an increase in pressure resulting in higher methane yield. Nickel-cerium bimetallic oxides exhibit the best performance, while cobalt-cerium bimetallic oxides show a particularly strong response to pressure. The catalysts' behavior follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson kinetic model, and the formation of cobalt carbides plays an important role in the catalytic process.