The nanorod morphology of the CeO₂ support has been recognized as more beneficial than other morphologies for catalytic activity in the dry reforming of methane. Ni/nanorod-CeO₂ catalysts with different Ni contents were prepared by one-pot hydrothermal synthesis. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), H₂-temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), H₂-temperature-programmed desorption (H₂-TPD), field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS), Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BHJ) analysis. The effect of Ni content on the size and the intrinsic strain of ceria was analyzed by the Size–Strain plot and Williamson–Hall plot of XRD data. The average Ni particle size and Ni dispersion were determined by H₂-TPD. XRD and H₂-TPR analysis revealed a strong Ni–support interaction that limited nickel sintering. The activity for the dry reforming of methane was tested with the stoichiometric mixture CO₂:CH₄:N₂:He = 20:20:20:140, gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) = 300 L g⁻¹ h⁻¹, and temperatures in the range of 545–800 °C. The turnover frequency (TOF) value increased linearly with the average Ni particle size in the range of 5.5–33 nm, suggesting the structure sensitivity of the reaction. Samples with Ni loading of 4–12 wt.% showed high H₂/CO selectivity and stability over time on stream, whereas the sample with a Ni loading of 2 wt.% was less selective and underwent rapid deactivation. Only a small amount of nanotubular carbon was observed by FE-SEM after the time-on-stream experiment. Deactivation of the low-Ni-content sample is ascribed to the easier oxidation of the small Ni particles.

The valorization of CO₂ via renewable energy sources allows one to obtain carbon-neutral fuels through its hydrogenation, like methane. In this study, Ni_0.05Ce_0.95O_2−δ catalysts were prepared using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method yielding nanorod and nanocube particles to be used for the methanation reaction. Samples were characterized by XRD, BET, TEM, H₂-TPR, and H₂-TPD experiments. The catalytic activity tests revealed that the best performing catalyst was Ni_0.05Ce_0.95O_2−δ, with nanorod morphology, which gave a CO₂ conversion of 40% with a selectivity of CH₄ as high as 93%, operating at 325 °C and a GHSV of 240,000 cm³ h⁻¹ g⁻¹. However, the lower activation energy was found for Ni_0.05Ce_0.95O_2−δ catalysts with nanocube morphology. Furthermore, an in operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) analysis was performed flowing CO₂:H₂ or CO:H₂ mixture, showing that the main reaction pathway, for the CO₂ methanation, is the direct hydrogenation of formate intermediate.

This work aims to study the selective catalytic hydrogenation of vegetable oils to maximize oleic acid content and expand the range of non-edible uses. Oleic acid (C18:1) is suitable for use as a biodegradable lubricant and is a building block in producing polymers and plastics from renewable resources. The challenge is the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts, allowing for a maximum yield of C18:1 and low formation of the corresponding saturated acid (stearic acid). New copper-based catalysts on silica were synthesized via two synthesis methods: hydrolysis precipitation and ammonia-evaporation. Experimental tests were carried out at a lab scale operating in a semi-batch mode. The best conversion reached 90% for C18:3 and 80% for C18:2 HP Cu-silica catalyst results, the best candidate for an industrial case study. Good results were obtained in the selectivities of oleic acid production and cis/trans isomers ratio. The modified return on the investment of the designed hydrogenation plant provides the revenues of the capital costs in less than one year.

This study focuses on the modeling, simulation, and optimization of an integrated biomass gasification and methanation process to produce bio-synthetic natural gas (Bio-SNG) as part of the AIRE project. The process was simulated using Aspen Plus^® software (V14), incorporating experimental results from pilot-scale gasification setups. Key steps involved syngas production in a dual fluidized bed gasifier and its subsequent conversion to Bio-SNG in a methanation section. Heat integration strategies were implemented to enhance system results demonstrate that optimized heat recovery, achieved by utilizing exothermic methanation reactions to preheat gasification inputs, eliminates the need for auxiliary fuel in the gasification process. The optimized system achieved a thermal recovery rate of 80%, a cold gas efficiency of 79%, a Bio-SNG production rate of 0.4 Nm³/kg_Biom, and a methane content of 85 vol.%. These optimizations reduced CO₂ emissions by 10% while increasing overall energy efficiency. This work highlights the potential of integrating biomass gasification and methanation processes with heat recovery for sustainable methane production. The findings provide a basis for scaling up the process and further exploring syngas utilization pathways to produce renewable energy carriers.

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is considered one of the most promising technologies for efficient greenhouse gas management thanks to the fact that through this reaction, it is possible to reduce CO₂ and CH₄ to obtain syngas, a mixture of H₂ and CO, with a suitable ratio for the Fischer–Tropsch production of long-chain hydrocarbons. Two other main processes can yield H₂ from CH₄, i.e., Steam Reforming of Methane (SRM) and Partial Oxidation of Methane (POM), even though, not having CO₂ as a reagent, they are considered less green. Recently, scientists’ challenge is to overcome the many drawbacks of DRM reactions, i.e., the use of precious metal-based catalysts, the high temperatures of the process, metal particle sintering and carbon deposition on the catalysts’ surfaces. To overcome these issues, one proposed solution is to implement photo-thermal dry reforming of methane in which irradiation with light is used in combination with heating to improve the efficiency of the process. In this paper, we review the work of several groups aiming to investigate the pivotal promoting role of light radiation in DRM. Focus is also placed on the catalysts’ design and the progress needed for bringing DRM to an industrial scale.