Development of Ni-Co supported on SBA-15 catalysts for non-thermal plasma assisted co-conversion of CO₂ and CH₄: Results and lessons learnt

This study presents an investigation of using Co doping strategy to improve the Ni on mesoporous SBA-15 catalyst for promoting catalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM) under non-thermal plasma (NTP) conditions. The work was conducted by following the conventional procedures including pre-/post-reaction characterisation of the relevant catalysts, comparative assessment of various scenarios under the NTP condition and longevity tests. However, we found that the performance enhancement of the NTP system was mainly due to the use of the catalytically inert SBA-15 packing, rather than the variation of metal species on it though the results suggest the possible surface reactions on the metal surfaces. Hence, under the NTP condition, the so-called DRM might be mistaken because (i) the production of H₂ and CO was likely due to the electron-impact dissociation of CO₂/CH₄ in gas discharge and (ii) surface reactions on a DRM catalyst are rather insignificant. We then carefully analysed and reflected on the findings and proposed further research questions to be shared with the colleagues in the field of NTP catalysis.