Research progress on the preparation process of biochar-based catalyst support for dry reforming of methane

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) technology, converting two kinds of greenhouse gases (CH₄ and CO₂) into syngas to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction and resource utilization, has attracted more and more attention from researchers. Due to the advantages of high specific surface area, developed porous structure, high thermal stability, excellent acid and alkali resistance, abundant content of alkali/alkaline earth metals and oxygen-containing functional groups, and low cost, bio-char is suitable for different DRM systems, including shale gas, oil field associated gas, coke oven gas and coal bed methane systems, which can avoid some pretreatment processes such as desulfurization of part of the exhaust. Therefore, bio-char may offer attractive prospects for large-scale DRM industrial applications. Herein, the review briefly summarizes the preparation process of biochar-based catalyst supports for DRM. The different carbonization procedures and their effects on the yield and properties of bio-char are briefly described. The advantages and influence factors of the physicochemical property of bio-char in the reforming reaction are introduced. The influence of different activation methods on the catalytic performance of biochar-based catalysts is also analyzed. Finally, the carbon consumption that affects the stability of the catalyst is briefly introduced.