Carbon dioxide reforming of methane to synthesis gas over a TiO2–Ni inverse catalyst

TiO 2 –Ni inverse catalysts were prepared using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, and catalytic CO 2 reforming of methane (CRM) reactions over the catalysts (either bare Ni or TiO 2 coated-Ni particles) were performed using a continuous flow reactor at 800 °C. The TiO 2 –Ni inverse catalyst had a higher catalytic reactivity at the initial stage of the CRM reaction at 800 °C compared to that of bare Ni catalysts. Moreover, the high activity of the TiO 2 –Ni catalyst was maintained over 65 h of the CRM reaction at 800 °C, whereas deactivation of the bare Ni surface began within 1 h under the same conditions. Surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy showed that deposition of graphitic carbon was effectively suppressed in the presence of TiO 2 nanoparticles on the Ni surface, thereby improving the catalytic activity and stability of the TiO 2 –Ni catalytic system. We suggest that utilizing the decorative effect of oxide nanoparticles on the surface of metal catalyst has great potential for the development of metal-based catalysts with high stability and reactivity.