Ni/SiO ₂ Catalyst with Three-Dimensional Large Mesoporous Structure for Enhanced Dry Reforming of Methane

Dry reforming of methane is limited by catalyst deactivation because of carbon deposition and metal sintering, which restricts its practical application. The effect of the support pore structure on the catalytic activity of Ni-based catalysts was investigated. By constructing a SiO2-L support with a 3D large mesoporous structure, the catalytic performance was improved. Ni/SiO2-L shows improved Ni dispersion, a higher proportion of Ni0, and enhanced CO2 and CH4 adsorption and activation. During the 50 h stability test, this catalyst maintained stable catalytic activity. Although thermogravimetric analysis revealed more deposited carbon on Ni/SiO2-L than on the other samples, its large mesoporous structure accommodates carbon growth without rapid pore blockage. Raman spectroscopy further revealed that the overall deposited carbon on Ni/SiO2-L was less graphitized and contained a greater fraction of disordered carbon, which was easier to oxidize. This pore structure also facilitates the transport of active oxygen species, enabling the dynamic removal of deposited carbon.