Design of a highly nanodispersed Pd-MgO/SiO(2) composite catalyst with multifunctional activity for CH(4) reforming.

We describe a highly nanodispersed Pd-MgO/SiO(2) composite catalyst synthesized by an in situ, one-pot, reverse microemulsion method as a multifunctional catalyst for low-temperature CH(4) reforming. Experimental results suggested evidence for a synergistic interplay of each component and DFT calculations confirmed a multifunctional reaction mechanism of CH(4) reforming and the importance of the Pd-MgO interface. We find that the Pd nanoparticle binds and dissociates CH(4), that MgO activates CO(2) and increases coking resistance, and that SiO(2) prevents Pd sintering. CO spillover from Pd to MgO opens a faster pathway for CO production. A unique and ground-breaking feature of the present catalyst is the well-designed cooperation of each element that assures long-lasting, consistent, high- and low-temperature activity.