Bio-templated Ni/MgO-Al2O3 as an efficient catalyst toward methane dry reforming

Following the principles of green chemistry and recognizing the significant role of catalysts in chemical transformations, this study explores the impact of walnut and almond shells as bio-templates on the physical properties and catalytic performance of mesoporous Ni/MgO-Al₂O₃ in methane dry reforming. At the same time, by incorporating magnesium as a promoter and employing walnut and almond shells as bio-templates, we achieved a uniform distribution of Ni particles and a more porous structure with a larger surface area for the synthesized catalysts. These findings were validated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), Raman, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyses. Based on findings, bio-templates, particularly the walnut shell, can enhance the catalyst’s physical properties. This includes structural and catalytic properties modifications, leading to higher surface areas, improved nickel dispersion, and increased carbon deposition and sintering resistance, resulting in superior catalytic performance in methane dry reforming. Surprisingly, the synthesized catalyst using walnut bio-template could effectively improve the catalyst performance of the Ni/MgO-Al₂O₃ closer to equilibrium values, which is highly desirable.