Effects of defective structure originating from N incorporation-evaporation of Co-based biomass carbon catalysts on methane dry reforming

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is gaining interest as an environmentally-friendly method for converting greenhouse gases into valuable H2/CO feedstock. However, catalyst deactivation due to carbon deposition and active metal sintering poses a challenge. Herein, defect-rich biomass carbon materials are obtained in a simple way. Under the combined effect of high temperature and defect inducers, the evaporation of N atoms introduced to the carbon skeleton and intrinsic N atoms in the biomass leads in the production of defective structures. Further, defect-confined Co catalysts (Y-NC(Z)-20Co) for DRM were reasonably designed and developed using defective biomass carbon as support. It was found that the structure-limiting effect of defective structures pre-vented the aggregation of Co. Meanwhile, the unpaired electrons of defective structures not only enhanced the basicity of the support to promote the adsorption and activation of CO2, but also improved the electronic environment of the anchored Co sites. This enhanced interaction between metal and carbon material, while the electron-rich Co sites promote the adsorption and activation of CH4. The improved CO2 activation capacity of Y-NC(Z)-20Co catalyst effectively inhibited the formation of graphitized carbon deposits during the reaction. Thus, defect-rich biomass carbon catalysts made from external N incorporation-evaporation exhibited superior coke-resistance and sinter-resistance.