Efficient and robust reforming catalyst in severe reaction conditions by nanoprecursor reduction in confined space.

The in situ autocombustion synthesis route is shown to be an easy and efficient way to produce nanoscaled nickel oxide containing lanthanum-doped mesoporous silica composite. Through this approach, ~3 nm NiO particles homogeneously dispersed in the pores of silica are obtained, while lanthanum is observed to cover the surface of the silica pore wall. Subsequent reduction of such composite precursors under hydrogen generates Ni(0) nanoparticles of a comparable size. Control over the size and size distribution of metallic nanoparticles clearly improved catalytic activity in the methane dry reforming reaction. In addition, these composite materials exhibit excellent stability under severe reaction conditions. This was achieved through the presence of LaOx species, which reduced active-site carbon poisoning, and the confinement effect of the mesoporous support, which reduced metallic particle sintering.