γ-Alumina-Supported Ni-Mo Carbides as Promising Catalysts for CO 2 Methanation

Abstract

CO2 methanation with Hydrogen to form CH4 offers a solution for off-peak renewable energy storage. γ-alumina-supported Mo and Ni-Mo catalysts were used in CO2 methanation, either in their reduced or in their carburized form. The presence of Ni improved the carburization extent of Mo-species, resulting in increased catalytic activity and selectivity for the catalytic CO2 methanation reaction. Carburization generally enhances the basicity of the materials and thus CO2 absorption on their surface. At 300°C, the conversions of CO2 for the reduced Ni-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst and Ni-Mo2C/Al2O3 catalysts were 5.3% and 13.8% respectively with a corresponding selectivity in CH4 of 10.0% and 98.1%, respectively.