Catalytic Conversion of CO2 to Syngas through Methane Dry Reforming and Reverse Water Gas Shift Reactions

CO₂ chemical conversion into value-added chemicals and fuels, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions has significant economic benefits. Among the most promising methods of converting CO₂ into CO are the Methane Dry Reforming (MDR) and the Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS) reactions. By adding an additional unit, such as the Fischer-Tropsch process, utilizing CO and H₂ (syngas) as feedlines, both of these reactions (MDR and RWGS) can be used to generate fuels and a wide range of hydrocarbons. The MDR process has re-emerged as one of the most desirable techniques for the production of syngas in light of its compelling economic and environmental advantages in recent years. These reactions have yet to be commercialized due to the rapid deactivation of the catalysts and the deposition of carbon species on the catalysts. Thus, due to the fact that catalyst choice can have a significant impact on reaction performance, developing catalysts that are highly stable and ensuring that they lead to efficient CO production is critical and challenging. Specifically, this study aims to evaluate the performance of transition metals (such as Ni, Co, and Cu) in RWGS and MDR reactions when supported on commonly used oxides (such as CeO₂, SiO₂, ZrO₂). The results (to be presented) do illustrate the selective nature of Cu metal on CeO2 support, resulting in high activity, CO selectivity, and carbon tolerance over a long period of time on-stream (TOS).