Boosting methane dry reforming <i>via</i> enhanced CO ₂ adsorption over TiN-supported Ni catalysts

Herein, titanium nitride (TiN) is employed as a support for nickel (Ni) catalysts in the dry reforming of methane. TiN exhibits strong metal-support interactions that remarkably enhance Ni dispersion. In addition, TiN possesses strong CO₂ and H₂ adsorption properties and electron-donating capability. Collectively, these properties inhibit carbon buildup and enhance catalytic reactivity. A synergistic interaction with CaO, a secondary defence layer, dramatically boosts catalyst stability. At a similar initial conversion rate, the 5Ni-3CaO/TiN catalyst showed outstanding performance, achieving CH₄ and CO₂ conversion rates of 81.6% and 87.9%, respectively. The deactivation rates of <i>D</i>_CH₄ and <i>D</i>_CO₂ were 0.018 h^-1 and 0.028 h^-1, respectively, in the 20-hour stability test.