Size limit of support particles in an oxide-supported metal catalyst: nanocomposite Ni/ZrO2 for utilization of natural gas

The size effect of zirconia particles on the catalysis of Ni metal for CO2 re-forming of methane is explored. It is revealed that for the first time that when the sizes of zirconia particles become smaller than 25 nm, the oxide forms nanocomposite catalysts with size-comparable Ni-metal nanocrystals.