Breakthrough in CO2 Emission Reduction: Researchers Develop Catalytic Sorbent for Dry Methane Reforming

Researchers at the Nanjing Institute of Technology have made significant strides in reducing CO2 emissions by developing a new catalytic sorbent for dry methane reforming. The innovative process, known as sorbent looping dry reforming of methane (SLDRM), utilizes a dual-functional material (DFM) that can simultaneously capture CO2 and convert methane into useful energy resources. The study, published in the journal Separation and Purification Technology, has been peer-reviewed and highlights the potential of this technology for advancing CO2 emission reduction and resource utilization strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• The researchers synthesized CaO-Ni based DFMs supported on various materials using the sol-gel method and characterized them using SEM, XRD, and TGA.
• The optimal support material for the Ni catalyst was found to be CeO2, which significantly enhanced CH4 conversion and low-temperature decarbonization of the sorbent.
• The synergistic effect of the Ni catalyst and CH4 atmosphere significantly enhanced low-temperature decarbonization of the sorbent, mitigating sintering and enhancing cyclic CO2 capture capacity.
• In-situ CO2 conversion during CH4 reforming disrupted the decarbonization reaction equilibrium, enabling efficient isothermal CO2 capture and decarbonation.
• The stability tests over 10 consecutive SLDRM cycles demonstrated good stability of CaO-10Ni/CeO2, maintaining a CH4 conversion efficiency of 87% and a stable H-2/CO ratio of approximately 1 at 650 degrees C.
• Carbon deposition during the CH4 step was effectively removed during carbonation, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, while SEM and XRD analyses revealed preserved surface morphology and phase composition.

Statistics:

• 87% CH4 conversion efficiency was achieved at the optimal temperature of 650 degrees C.
• Stable H-2/CO ratio of approximately 1 was maintained at 650 degrees C.
• 10 consecutive SLDRM cycles demonstrated good stability of CaO-10Ni/CeO2.
• Carbon deposition during the CH4 step was effectively removed during carbonation.

Sources:

• "Isothermal Co2 Capture and In-situ Conversion In Dry Reforming of Methane Using a Catalytic Sorbent of Cao-ni/ceo 2 Prepared Via Sol-gel Method," published in Separation and Purification Technology (Elsevier, 2025, Vol. 372).
• NewsRx LLC, "New Data from Nanjing Institute of Technology Illuminate Findings in Global Warming and Climate Change (Isothermal Co 2 Capture and In-situ Conversion In Dry Reforming of Methane Using a Catalytic Sorbent of Cao-ni/ceo 2 ...)," Global Warming Focus, November 3, 2025, p 1744.