Steering catalytic property and reactivity of Ni/SiO₂ by functionalized silica for dry reforming of methane

The dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a promising catalytic reaction for converting greenhouse gases (CH₄ and CO₂) into valuable syngas. Despite the advantages of silica as a catalyst support, its inert nature limits its application in DRM due to reduced binding affinity with nickel. Here, we developed Ni-impregnated silica catalysts exhibiting a bimodal pore system in which silica supports were synthesized by tuning the ratio of aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The Ni/silica catalyst prepared by the intermediate concentration of APTES exhibited a unique combination of acidic and basic properties, enhancing DRM activity and catalytic durability. The catalysts displayed a favorable nickel size distribution, with smaller Ni particles in intermediate ratio silica, overcoming the limitations of conventional silica-based catalysts. Our findings demonstrate the suitable catalytic characteristics of Ni/synthesized-SiO₂ for the dry reforming of methane.