Nickel Supported on Y2O3-ZrO2as Highly Selective and Stable CO2Methanation Catalyst for in-Situ Propellant Production on Mars

摘要

Production of propellant for the return to Earth from in-situ resources allows not transporting the return fuel in space explorations. CO₂from Martian atmosphere may react with H2 to produce methane and water by Sabatier reaction. The activity of Ni (10 wt%) supported on Y₂O₃-ZrO₂, by different preparation methods, was compared. Structural characterization by XRD, TPR and TEM, evidenced that catalytic performances for CO₂methanation mainly depended on the Ni°particle size and morphology. In particular, the catalyst prepared by wet impregnation with Ni(EDTA)^-2complex, having high nickel dispersion and strong Ni-support interaction, showed remarkable activity, selectivity and stability over time on stream using stoichiometric flow (CO₂:H₂= 1:4), appearing like a reliable catalyst for Sabatier process.