Versatile Ni-Ru catalysts for gas phase CO2 conversion: Bringing closer dry reforming, reverse water gas shift and methanation to enable end-products flexibility

Advanced catalytic materials able to catalyse more than one reaction efficiently are needed within the CO2 utilisation schemes to benefit from end-products flexibility. In this study, the combination of Ni and Ru (15 and 1 wt%, respectively) was tested in three reactions, i.e. dry reforming of methane (DRM), reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) and CO2 methanation. A stability experiment with one cycle of CO2 methanation-RWGS-DRM was carried out. Outstanding stability was revealed for the CO2 hydrogenation reactions and as regards the DRM, coke formation started after 10 h on stream. Overall, this research showcases that a multicomponent Ni-Ru/CeO2 -Al2O3 catalyst is an unprecedent versatile system for gas phase CO2 recycling. Beyond its excellent performance, our switchable catalyst allows a fine control of end-products selectivity.

Automated summary

This study investigates the performance of a combination catalyst of Ni and Ru in reactions such as dry reforming of methane, reverse water-gas shift, and CO2 methanation. The catalyst shows excellent stability in CO2 hydrogenation reactions but suffers from coke formation in dry reforming. Overall, the study highlights the versatility of the Ni-Ru/CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst for gas phase CO2 recycling and its switchable selectivity control.