Ni supported on YSZ: XAS and XPS characterization and catalytic activity for CO2 methanation

Ni supported on yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide catalysts have been prepared by electroless plating method. Structure, electronic and chemical state of Ni as a function of Ni content (1, 7 and 12 wt%) have been characterized combining X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and BET. The catalytic activity for the CO2 methanation was studied in the 250–500 °C temperature range, finding the highest CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity for the catalyst with the largest Ni loading. A dependence of activity and CH4 selectivity on Ni crystallites size was highlighted.