Laser-Engineered Defective Carbon-Supported Ni Catalyst Boosts Dry Reforming of Methane

The evolution behavior of reaction intermediates plays a pivotal role in directing the performance of dry reforming of methane (DRM), yet precise control strategies remain limited. Herein, we present a laser-etching technique for the controllable synthesis of defective carbon-supported Ni (Ni/C) catalysts. Comprehensive characterization and density functional theory (DFT) simulations collectively reveal that tuning the laser etching power enables the precise regulation of defect density in the carbon support. A moderate defect density not only optimizes the electronic states and particle size of Ni sites but also maintains the size stability of Ni nanoparticles. Such synergistic effects achieve an optimal balance between deep dehydrogenation and oxidation of CHx* intermediates, delivering CH4 and CO2 conversion of 73 and 75%, respectively. This work provides a novel and effective approach for enhancing the DRM performance of carbon-supported Ni-based catalysts.