The structure activity relationship of promoted La doped Ni-CeO2 catalysts prepared by continuous-flow microreactor for low temperature CO2 methanation

CO 2 methanation has emerged as a key strategy for its potential uses and ability to alleviate climate change by reducing CO 2 emissions. Herein, we present a controllable and continuous improved coprecipitation catalyst preparation method employing a T-junction microreactor to investigate La doped Ni-CeO 2 catalysts. A series of catalysts was systematically synthesized, with Ni/CeLa (5:5) emerging as the most promising candidate, exhibiting 76 % CO 2 conversion at 250 °C and 60.5 mmol/g cat .h space–time yield of methane. Different structural characterization techniques, including in-situ Raman, Quasi in-situ XPS, in-situ DRIFTS, and DFT calculations were employed to unravel the structure activity mechanisms contributing to the enhanced catalytic performance. The findings indicate that the introduction of La as a dopant reduces particle size, promotes Ni dispersion, and increases interfacial sites. These enriched interfacial sites contribute a pivotal role in facilitating the adsorption and hydrogenation of bicarbonate species, ultimately leading to improved methanation performance. This study not only highlights the efficiency of the La doped Ni-CeO 2 catalyst, but it also gives valuable insights for chemical strategy to improve structure activity relationships and mechanism studies for efficient CO 2 methanation performance.