A perspective of lanthanide promoted Ni-catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to methane: catalytic activity and open challenges

In the frame of energy transition and anthropogenic CO2 emission reduction, CO2 hydrogenation by using green hydrogen to produce Synthetic Natural Gas is considered as a promising option. Considering nickel low-cost and natural abundance, Ni-based catalysts are the most investigated and used materials for methanation reaction in the temperature range 573–673 K. However, Ni-based catalysts showed inadequate low-temperature activity (below 473 K), low reducibility and dispersion, and catalyst deactivation due to particles sintering or even coke deposition. As well, for very low temperature application volatilization of the active phase through carbonyl production cannot be excluded. In recent years, lanthanides addition and in particular lanthanum and cerium, represents a good option in order to overcome the Ni-based catalyst limits. In this paper, a comprehensive review and overview of the most recent commercial formulation and advances in the development of lanthanides promoted Ni catalysts are reported, including the evaluation of the effect on the catalytic properties and the obtained catalytic performances.