Supported Bimetallic NiFe Nanoparticles through Colloid Synthesis for Improved Dry Reforming Performance

The conversion of methane and carbon dioxide into a synthesis gas, the so-called dry reforming of methane (DRM), suffers from a stability issue caused by coke formation at the surface of the Ni-based catalysts. Using a colloidal approach, we demonstrate that supported 3–4 nm bimetallic NiFe nanoparticles with a Ni/Fe ratio of 3 have an enhanced stability compared to the corresponding pure Ni-based catalyst and a higher activity compared to conventional NiFe catalysts. The active sites for DRM are associated with Ni 0, while FeO, observed by operando XAS under DRM conditions, allows for an effective decoking of the metal centers.