Syngas production from greenhouse gases using Ni–W bimetallic catalyst via dry methane reforming: Effect of W addition

DMR is a promising technique to utilize the rising greenhouse gases and produce an alternative energy source. The main hurdle in the commercialization of DMR is the catalyst deactivation. Presently, the effect of Tungsten (W) addition on Ni-based catalysts supported on mixed oxide (Al₂O₃–MgO) support is tested for DMR. The Ni–W bimetallic catalysts are synthesized via co-precipitation followed by the impregnation technique. An equimolar stream of feed (CH₄:CO₂) is used for DMR at 800 °C. The Ni–W catalyst with 4 wt% of W showed steady performance with elevated conversions of CH₄ and CO₂, even after 24 h of DMR. The freshly and spent catalysts are characterized by BET, XRD, FESEM, EDX, elemental mapping, TPR-H₂, TPD-CO₂, and XPS to confirm the elemental composition and the type of carbon formed on the catalysts. The activity of Ni catalyst declined due to formation of amorphous carbon-nanosheets, whereas Ni–W catalyst remained active due to formation of MWCNT.