In-situ XAS study of trifunctional Ni-Ca-Fe materials for super-dry reforming.

Super-dry reforming (SDR) is an enhanced process for bio(methane) and CO2 conversion, capable of intrinsic product separation and enhanced CO production. SDR couples catalytic reforming, redox activity and CO2 sorption into one chemical looping process, using three different materials: Ni catalyst, Fe3O4 metal oxide and CaO sorbent. For next-level SDR, we aim at combining these different functionalities into one material Ni/MgCaFeAlOx to intensify the process. The interaction between the different elements and their functionalities will be explored by means of in situ characterization by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) at the Ni and Fe edges, while also testing at the Ca edge. The use of XAS is advantageous for catalysis research as it probes the electronic state (XANES) and local environment (EXAFS) of each element in the samples under realistic reaction conditions.