In this study, Sc promoted and aerogel confined Ni catalysts were synthesized via a facile method. The catalyst thus prepared was completely characterized and tested under conditions for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). As compared to Ni-based catalysts, all Sc promoted catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic stability as the addition of Sc strengthened the interaction between the γ-Al2O3 support and Ni species, increased the reactive oxygen species and basic sites on the catalyst surface. Moreover, a uniform distribution of Ni and Sc species can be achieved by the unique fabrication pathway, thereby resulting in the increase of the activities and coking-resistance of Ni-based catalysts for the DRM reaction. Additionally, at high reaction temperature, the stable mesostructure of the Al2O3 aerogel restricted the motion of Ni nanoparticles, limiting the sintering of Ni nanoparticles. Therefore, the Sc decorated and aerogel confined Ni-based catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic performance, good coking resistance and superior stability.
