$TiO_2$-Ni inverse Catalyst for CRM Reactions with High Resistance to Coke Formation

$TiO_2$-Ni inverse catalysts were prepared using atomic layer deposition (ALD) process and catalytic $CO_2$ reforming of methane (CRM) reaction over catalysts (either bare Ni or $TiO_2$ coated-Ni particles) were performed using a continuous flow reactor at $800^{\circ}C$. $TiO_2$-Ni inverse catalyst showed higher catalytic reactivity at initial stage of CRM reactions at $800^{\circ}C$ comparing to bare Ni catalysts. Moreover, catalytic activity of $TiO_2$/Ni catalyst was kept high during 13 hrs of the CRM reactions at $800^{\circ}C$, whereas deactivation of bare Ni surface was started within 1hr under same conditions. The results of surface analysis using SEM, XPS, and Raman showed that deposition of graphitic carbon was effectively suppressed in a presence of $TiO_2$ nanoparticles on Ni surface, thereby improving catalytic reactivity and stability of $TiO_2$/Ni catalytic systems. We suggest that utilizing decoration effect of metal catalyst with oxide nanoaprticles is of great potential to develop metal-based catalysts with high stability and reactivity.