$CO_2$ reforming using $TiO_2$/Ni catalysts prepared by atomic layer deposition

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to deposit $TiO_2$ on Ni particles, and changes in the catalytic activity of Ni for $CO_2$ reforming of methane (CRM) were studied. In the presence of $TiO_2$ islands on Ni surfaces, the onset temperature of the CRM reaction was lower than that of bare Ni. During the CRM reaction, carbon was deposited on the surface, reducing the catalytic activity of the surface, but $TiO_2$ was able to remove the carbon deposits from the surface. When the Ni surface was completely covered with $TiO_2$, catalytic activity disappeared, indicating that tuning of $TiO_2$ coverage on Ni is important for maximizing the activity of the CRM reaction.