Efficient Mesoporous NiCeLaOx‐Based Catalysts Prepared by Nanocasting for the RWGS Reaction

In this work, the influence of the porous structure of the catalyst, as well as the effect of La doping on the performance of Ni‐ceria‐based catalysts for the reverse water‐gas shift reaction (rWGS) has been studied. Thus, Ni‐ceria and Ni‐La doped ceria catalysts have been prepared using nanocasting or hard‐templating method, also studying the influence of the incorporation method of the nickel phase. Samples prepared by sol‐gel were also prepared for comparison. The catalysts were tested in the rWGS and characterized by different techniques: X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (TEM and STEM‐EDX), adsorption‐desorption N 2 isotherms (BET), temperature programmed reduction (TPR‐H 2 ), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results obtained indicate that the mesoporous catalysts prepared by hard‐templating, regardless of the nickel incorporation method have developed a mesoporous structure and a relatively large specific surface area that increases CO formation per catalyst weight, compared to those prepared by sol‐gel. The method of incorporating Ni into mesoporous catalysts influences the level of catalyst deactivation and the evolution of CO selectivity with reaction time.