Analysis of Performance-Property Relationship in Cobalt-Based Catalysts for Methane Dry Reforming

Carbon dioxide and methane are the most critical anthropogenic greenhouse gases, contributing substantially to environmental degradation and global warming. Dry reforming of methane (DRM) offers an efficient route to convert these gases into syngas (H₂ and CO), a key feedstock for ammonia synthesis and Fischer–Tropsch processes. Because this transformation requires catalysts capable of activating both molecules while resisting severe carbon deposition, catalyst design plays a decisive role in determining DRM efficiency. Among various catalytic systems, cobalt-based catalysts have emerged as particularly promising solutions due to their intrinsic coke resistance, favorable redox properties, and structural stability under high-temperature reforming conditions. This review summarizes recent advances in Co-based catalysts for DRM, including the design of mono- and bimetallic formulations, the role of supports in tuning dispersion and metal–support interactions, and mechanistic insights into CH₄ and CO₂ activation. The analysis of the structure performance relationship highlights cobalt's potential as a cost-effective and durable active phase for efficient DRM and guides future catalyst design.