Dry reforming of methane for syngas production: A review and assessment of catalyst development and efficacy

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) involves catalytic reaction of CO₂ and CH₄ to produce syngas. Although the process is environmentally beneficial, it has not been implemented on industrial level due to multiple challenges, particularly with regard to catalyst deactivation because of use of very high temperature. A majority of research has been carried out with catalysts based on nickel. However, recently many new varieties catalysts using noble metals, structured silica-foams, zeolites, etc. have been investigated for DRM. The present review paper deals with understanding the process of DRM, importance of catalysts, supports and promoters, various methods of synthesis of catalysts, design of catalyst, catalytic performance and ways to enhance it, constraining elements like poisoning of the catalyst, in addition to physicochemical properties of catalysts. Various properties of supports and promoters like reduction/oxidation potential, acidity/basicity, reducibility, oxygen storage capacity, etc. are responsible for catalyst activity and stability. It identifies critical gaps and provides future directions.