Improvement of the catalytic stability of molybdenum carbide via encapsulation within carbon nanotubes in dry methane reforming

Abstract

We reported for the first time the enhancement of the oxidation resistance of Mo₂C nanoparticles by encapsulation within carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The oxidation rate of Mo₂C can be reduced significantly by the encapsulated Mo₂C in CH₄/CO₂ reforming, which promoted the catalytic stability of Mo₂C. This type of Mo₂C/CNTs modified by Ni (Co) showed a high catalytic stability at a high WHSV (18 000 cm³ g⁻¹ h⁻¹) throughout a 50 h period.