Dry reforming of methane over activated carbon supported catalysts: A literature review of catalyst development

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) represents a promising route for the simultaneous utilization of greenhouse gases methane (CH 4 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to produce syngas, a valuable feedstock for chemical and energy applications. This literature review focuses on the development and performance of catalysts based on activated carbon (AC) substrate for DRM, highlighting their unique properties and advancements. Key strategies for catalyst optimization, including surface functionalization with heteroatoms, incorporation of basic promoters, and the development of bimetallic catalyst systems, are highlighted in this work. The review also addresses key challenges associated with thermal stability, carbon gasification, and coke deposition, together with potential mitigation strategies. Finally, perspectives and potential directions for further study on AC-supported catalysts are presented in light of the developments in this area. This review underscores the potential of AC-supported catalysts as a platform for the development of sustainable and energy-efficient next-generation materials for DRM applications.