Preparation of palladium-based catalyst by plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition and its applications in CO_(2) hydrogenation reduction

Supported Pd catalyst is an important noble metal material in recent years due to its high catalytic performance in CO_(2)hydrogenation.A fluidized-bed plasma assisted atomic layer deposition(FP-ALD) process is reported to fabricate Pd nanoparticle catalyst over γ-Al_(2)O_(3)or Fe_(2)O_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)support,using palladium hexafluoroacetylacetonate as the Pd precursor and H_(2)plasma as counter-reactant.Scanning transmission electron microscopy exhibits that highdensity Pd nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed over Fe_(2)O_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)support with an average diameter of 4.4 nm.The deposited Pd-Fe_(2)O_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)shows excellent catalytic performance for CO_(2)hydrogenation in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor.Under a typical condition of H_(2)to CO_(2)ratio of 4 in the feed gas,the discharge power of 19.6 W,and gas hourly space velocity of10000 h^(-1),the conversion of CO_(2)is as high as 16.3% with CH_(3)OH and CH4selectivities of 26.5%and 3.9%,respectively.

Atomically dispersed calcium as solid strong base catalyst with high activity and stability

Solid strong base catalysts are highly attractive for diverse reactions owing to their advantages of neglectable corrosion,facile separation,and environmental friendliness.However,their widespread applications are impeded by basic components aggregation and low stability.In this work,we fabricate single calcium atoms on graphene(denoted as Ca1/G)by use of a redox strategy for the first time,producing solid strong base catalyst with high activity and stability.The precursor Ca(NO_(3))_(2)is first reduced to CaO at 400℃ by the support graphene,forming CaO/G with conventional basic sites,and the subsequent reduction at 850℃results in the generation of Ca1/G with atomically dispersed Ca.Various characterizations reveal that Ca single atoms are anchored on graphene in tetra-coordination(Ca-C_(2)-N_(2))where N is in situ doped from Ca(NO_(3))_(2).The atomically dispersed Ca,along with their anchoring on the support,endow Ca1/G with high activity and stability toward the transesterification reaction of ethylene carbonate with methanol.The turnover frequency value reaches 128.0 h^(-1)on Ca1/G,which is much higher than the traditional counterpart CaO/G and various reported solid strong bases(2.9-46.2 h^(-1)).Moreover,the activity of Ca1/G is well maintained during 5 cycles,while 60%of activity is lost for the conventional analogue CaO/G due to the leaching of Ca.

Design of Multiple Metal Doped Ni Based Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation from Bio-oil Reforming at Mild-temperature

A new kind of multiple metal （Cu, Mg, Ce） doped Ni based mixed oxide catalyst, synthesized by the co-precipitation method, was used for efficient production of hydrogen from bio-oil reforming at 250-500℃. Two reforming processes, the conventional steam reforming （CSR） and the electrochemical catalytic reforming （ECR）, were performed for the bio-oil reforming. The catalyst with an atomic mol ratio of Ni：Cu：Mg：Ce：AI=5.6：1.1：1.9：1.0：9.9 exhibited very high reforming activity both in CSR and ECR processes, reaching 82.8% hydrogen yield at 500℃ in the CSR, yield of 91.1% at 400℃ and 3.1 A in the ECR, respectively. The influences of reforming temperature and the current through the catalyst in the ECR were investigated. It was observed that the reforming and decomposition of the bio-oil were significantly enhanced by the current. The promoting effects of current on the decomposition and reforming processes of bio-oil were further studied by using the model compounds of bio- oil （acetic acid and ethanol） under 101 kPa or low pressure （0.1 Pa） through the time of flight analysis. The catalyst also shows high water gas shift activity in the range of 300-600 ℃. The catalyst features and alterations in the bio-oil reforming were characterized by the ICP, XRD, XPS and BET measurements. The mechanism of bio-oil reforming was discussed based on the study of the elemental reactions and catalyst characterizations. The research catalyst, potentially, may be a practical catalyst for high efficient production of hydrogen from reforming of bio-oil at mild-temperature.

Synthesis,optimization and characterization of biochar based catalyst from sawdust for simultaneous esterification and transesterification

The development of a benign environmental catalyst for the generation of biodiesel is an area of importance to reduce the overall usage of fossil fuels. In the current work, biochar was produced by slow pyrolysis of Irul wood sawdust. The optimization for biochar generation was carried out for different reaction temperatures and heating durations. The biochar was used to prepare solid acid catalysts by sulfonation process. The characterization of biochar and the sulfonated catalyst were carried out using Elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), Powder X-ray Diffraction(XRD), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis(TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) and Surface area analyzer(BET). The characterization results showed that sulfonation of biochar resulted in biochar based solid acid catalyst containing various functional acidic groups like weak acidic\\OH groups, strong acidic\\COOH and SO3 H groups. The total acid density and sulfonic acid group density of catalyst were estimated and showed excellent acidic sites concentration which gives a good catalytic activity for biodiesel production through simultaneous esterification and transesterification. The enhanced catalytic activity is due to the high acid density of SO3 H groups and the reactant accessibility towards acidic sites as well as the strong affinity between the hydrophilic reactants and the neutral OH groups which are bonded with the polycyclic aromatic carbon rings. The performance of biochar catalyst for the production of biodiesel was evaluated by comparing the yield obtained. The FTIR and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy(GC–MS) were also carried out for the analysis of biodiesel produced.

Selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol over Pt-W based catalysts

The selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol(1,3-PDO)is an attractive reaction due to the high demand for valorization of huge excess amounts of glycerol supply as well as the important application of 1,3-PDO in polyester industry.Nevertheless,the formation of 1,3-PDO is thermodynamically less favorable than 1,2-PDO,which necessitates the development of efficient catalysts to manipulate the reaction kinetics towards the 1,3-PDO formation.Among others,Pt-W based catalysts have shown promising activities and selectivities of 1,3-PDO although the reaction mechanism is not well addressed at the molecular level.In this short review,we have compared the performances of different Pt-W based catalysts and discussed the key factors influencing the activity and selectivity.Three possible reaction mechanisms have been discussed in terms of the synergy between Pt and WO_x and the origin of acid sites.Finally,the long-term stability of the Pt-W catalysts has been discussed.We hope this review will provide useful information for the development of more efficient catalysts for this important reaction.

Review on the latest developments in modified vanadium-titanium-based SCR catalysts

Vanadium-titanium-based catalysts are the most widely used industrial materials for NO_x removal from coal-fired power plants. Owing to their relatively poor low-temperature deNO_x activity, low thermal stability, insufficient Hg^0 oxidation activity, SO_2 oxidation, ammonia slip, and other disadvantages,modifications to traditional vanadium-titanium-based selective catalytic reduction（SCR）catalysts have been attempted by many researchers to promote their relevant performance. This article reviewed the research progress of modified vanadium-titanium-based SCR catalysts from seven aspects, namely,（1） improving low-temperature deNO_x efficiency,（2） enhancing thermal stability,（3） improving Hg^0 oxidation efficiency,（4） oxidizing slip ammonia,（5） reducing SO_2 oxidation,（6） increasing alkali resistance, and（7） others. Their catalytic performance and the influence mechanisms have been discussed in detail. These catalysts were also divided into different categories according to their modified components such as noble metals（e.g., silver, ruthenium）, transition metals（e.g., manganese, iron, copper, zirconium, etc.）, rare earth metals（e.g., cerium, praseodymium）,and other metal chlorides（e.g., calcium chloride, copper chloride） and non-metals（fluorine,sulfur, silicon, nitrogen, etc.）. The advantages and disadvantages of these catalysts were summarized.Based on previous studies and the author＇s point of view, doping the appropriate modified components is beneficial to further improve the overall performance of vanadium-titanium-based SCR catalysts. This has enormous development potential and is a promising way to realize the control of multiple pollutants on the basis of the existing flue gas treatment system.

Effect of Relative Humidity on Catalytic Combustion of Toluene over Copper Based Catalysts with Different Supports

The copper based catalysts, CuO/T-Al2O3, CuO/y-Al2O3-cordierite （Cord） and CuO/Cord, were prepared by impregnation method. The catalytic activity of the catalysts was tested in absence and presence of water vapor,and the catalysts were characterized. Temperature program desorption （TPD） experiments or toluene and water on the catalysts were carried out. The influence of water vapor on the activity of the catalysts was discussed. Results showed that addition of the water vapor has a significant negative effect on the catalytic activity of the catalysts.The higher the concentration of the Water vapor in feed steam was, the lower the catalytic activity of the copper based catalysts became, which could be mainly ascribed to the competition of water molecules with toluene molecules for adsorption on the catalyst surfaces. TPD experiments showed that the strength of the interaction between water molecules and three catalysts followed the order： CuO/γ-Al2O3〉CuO/γ-Al2O3-Cord〉CuO/Cord. As a consequence of that, the degree of degradation in the catalytic activity of these three catalysts by the water vapor followed the order： CuO/γ-Al2O3〉CuO/y-Al2O3-Cord〉CuO/Cord. However, the negative effect of the water vapor was reversible.

Support effect of the supported ceria-based catalysts during NH_3-SCR reaction

To investigate how the physicochemical properties and NH3‐selective catalytic reduction(NH3‐SCR)performance of supported ceria‐based catalysts are influenced as a function of support type,a series of CeO2/SiO2,CeO2/γ‐Al2O3,CeO2/ZrO2,and CeO2/TiO2catalysts were prepared.The physicochemical properties were probed by means of X‐ray diffraction,Raman spectroscopy,Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area measurements,X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy,H2‐temperature programmed reduction,and NH3‐temperature programmed desorption.Furthermore,the supported ceria‐based catalysts'catalytic performance and H2O+SO2tolerance were evaluated by the NH3‐SCR model reaction.The results indicate that out of the supported ceria‐based catalysts studied,the CeO2/γ‐Al2O3catalyst exhibits the highest catalytic activity as a result of having a high relative Ce3+/Ce4+ratio,optimum reduction behavior,and the largest total acid site concentration.Finally,the CeO2/γ‐Al2O3catalyst also presents excellent H2O+SO2tolerance during the NH3‐SCR process.

Performance enhancement mechanism of Mn-based catalysts prepared under N_2 for NO_x removal:Evidence of the poor crystallization and oxidation of MnO_x

Among multitudinous metal‐oxide catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3(NH3‐SCR),Mn‐based catalysts have become very popular and developed rapidly in recent years because of its superior low‐temperature denitrification activity,mainly originating from multi‐valence of Mn.Most studies suggest that the catalytic activity of multi‐component oxides is superior to that of single‐component catalysts owing to the synergistic effect among the metallic elements in such materials,of which more attentions have been given to Ce as an additive owing to its powerful oxygen storage capacity,redox ability and its ready availability.As the core of SCR technology,the research points in catalyst development at the present stage of all researchers in countries mainly centralize on the optimization of active components,carriers,calcination temperature,calcination time and temperature‐raising procedure,giving little thought to the effects of the calcination atmosphere.In the present work,Ce‐modified Mn‐based catalysts were prepared by a simple impregnation method.The effects of the calcination atmosphere(N2,air or O2)on the performance of the resulting materials during NH3‐SCR and its causes of the differences were subsequently investigated and characterized using various analytical methods.Data obtained from X‐ray diffraction,thermogravimetry and temperature‐programmed reduction with hydrogen show that calcination under N2reduces both the degree of oxidation and crystallization of the MnOx.Scanning electron microscopy also demonstrates that the use of N2inhibits the growth of grains and increases the dispersion of the catalysts.In addition,the results of temperature‐programmed desorption with ammonia indicate that catalysts calcined under N2exhibit a greater quantity of acid sites.Finally,X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry and activity results demonstrate that MnOx in the lower valence states is more favorable for NH3‐SCR reactions.In conclusion,catalysts calcined under N2show superior performance during NH3‐SCR for NOx removal,allowing NO conversions up to94%at473K.

Single‐atom catalysts on metal‐based supports for solar photoreduction catalysis

Metal atoms atomically dispersed on an inorganic metal‐based support compose a unique category of single atom catalysts(SACs)and have important applications in catalytic photoreduction reactions,including H_(2) evolution reaction,CO_(2) reduction reaction,and N_(2) reduction reaction.In this minreview,we summarized the typical metal‐support interaction(M‐SI)patterns for successful anchoring of single‐atom metals on metallic compound supports.Subsequently,the contribution of the dispersed single metal atoms and M‐SI to photocatalytic reactions with improved activity,selectivity,and stability are highlighted,such as by accelerating charge transfer,regulating band structure of the support,acting as the reductive sites,and/or increasing catalytic selectivity.Finally,some challenges and perspectives of future development are proposed.We anticipate that this minireview will be a beneficial supplement for a comprehensive perception of metal‐based material supported SACs and their application in heterogeneous photo‐reductive catalysis.

Relationship between oxygen species and activity/stability in heteroatom(Zr,Y)-doped cerium-based catalysts for catalytic decomposition of CH_3SH

CeO2,Ce1–xZrxO2,and Ce1–xYxO2–δ(x=0.25,0.50,0.75,and 1.00)have been rapidly synthesized to estimate their catalytic behavior in decomposing CH3SH.The role of oxygen vacancies,and the relationship between the oxygen species and catalytic properties of CeO2 and Zr‐doped and Y‐doped ceria‐based materials are investigated in detail.Combining the observed catalytic performance with the characterization results,it can be deemed that surface lattice oxygen plays a critical role in methanethiol catalytic conversion over cerium oxides.Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 shows higher catalytic activity for CH3SH decomposition due to the large amount of surface lattice oxygen,readily available oxygen species,and excellent redox properties.Ce0.75Y0.25O2–δdisplays better catalytic stability owing to the greater number of oxygen vacancies that would promote bulk lattice oxygen migration to the surface of the catalyst in order to replenish surface lattice oxygen.In addition,the results show that the difference in chemical valence between Ce and the heteroatoms would strongly influence the amount of surface lattice oxygen as well as the mobility of bulk‐phase oxygen in these catalysts,thus affecting their activity and stability.

Carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction: Activity, selectivity, and stability

Zero or negative emissions of carbon dioxide(CO2)is the need of the times,as inexorable rising and alarming levels of CO2 in the atmosphere lead to global warming and severe climate change.The electrochemical CO2 reduction(eCO2R)to value‐added fuels and chemicals by using renewable electricity provides a cleaner and more sustainable route with economic benefits,in which the key is to develop clean and economical electrocatalysts.Carbon‐based catalyst materials possess desirable properties such as high offset potential for H2 evolution and chemical stability at the negative applied potential.Although it is still challenging to achieve highly efficient carbon‐based catalysts,considerable efforts have been devoted to overcoming the low selectivity,activity,and stability.Here,we summarize and discuss the recent progress in carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts including carbon nanotubes,carbon nanofibers,carbon nanoribbons,graphene,carbon nitride,and diamonds with an emphasis on their activity,product selectivity,and stability.In addition,the key challenges and future potential approaches for efficient eCO2R to low carbon‐based fuels are highlighted.For a good understanding of the whole history of the development of eCO2R,the CO2 reduction reactions,principles,and techniques including the role of electrolytes,electrochemical cell design and evaluation,product selectivity,and structural composition are also discussed.The metal/metal oxides decorated with carbon‐based electrocatalysts are also summarized.We aim to provide insights for further development of carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction from the perspective of both fundamental understanding and technological applications in the future.

Iron-based catalysts encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon for selective synthesis of liquid fuels through the Fischer-Tropsch process

Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis(FTS)has the potential to be a powerful strategy for producing liquid fuels from syngas if highly selective catalysts can be developed.Herein,a series of iron nanoparticle catalysts encapsulated by nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon were prepared by a one‐step pyrolysis of a ferric L‐glutamic acid complex.The FeC‐800 catalyst pyrolyzed at 800°C showed excellent catalytic activity(239.4μmolCO gFe–1 s–1),high C5–C11 selectivity(49%),and good stability in FTS.The high dispersion of ferric species combined with a well‐encapsulated structure can effectively inhibit the migration of iron nanoparticles during the reaction process,which is beneficial for high activity and good stability.The nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon shell can act as an electron donor to the iron particles,thus promoting CO activation and expediting the formation of Fe5C2,which is the key factor for obtaining high C5–C11 selectivity.

Sorbitol Hydrogenolysis to Glycols over Baisic Additive Promoted Ni-based Catalysts

A series of Ni based catalysts with different supports and basic additives were prepared by sequential impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, H2-TPR and CO2-TPD techniques. It was found that the introduction of basic additives enhanced the basicities of catalyats and promoted the dispersities of Ni particles by strong interaction between Ni2＋ and basic additives. Among the Ni based catalysts, 10%Ni/10%La203/ZrO2 showed the superior performance in sorbitol hydrogenolysis. The synergistic effect of Ni and La203 was proven to play an essential role in selective synthesis of EG and 1,2-PG. In the optimal reaction condition, the catalyst presented 100% sorbitol conversion and over 48% glycols （EG and 1,2-PG） yield. The kinetics study of polyols （sorbitol, xylitol and glycerol） hydrogenolysis showed that polyols with more hydroxyl number have higher activity and products distribution was final results of kinetic balance, which could give us some inspiration abeut how to change the products selectivity.

Recent advances in application of iron‐based catalysts for CO_(x) hydrogenation to value‐added hydrocarbons

The widespread utilization of fossil fuels has caused an associated increase in CO_(2) emissions over the past few decades,which has resulted in global warming and ocean acidification.CO hydrogenation(Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis,FTS)is considered a significant route for the production of liquid fuels and chemicals from nonpetroleum sources to meet worldwide demand.Conversion of CO_(2) with renewable H_(2) into valuable hydrocarbons is beneficial for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the negative effects of high CO_(2) concentrations in the atmosphere.Iron‐based catalysts exhibit superior catalytic performance in both FTS and CO_(2) hydrogenation to value‐added hydrocarbons.The abundance and low cost of iron‐based catalysts also promote their wide application in CO_(x) hydrogenation.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the significant developments in the application of iron‐based catalysts in these two fields.The active phases,promoter effect,and support of iron‐based catalysts are discussed in the present paper.Based on understanding of these three essential aspects,we also cover recent advances in the design and preparation of novel iron‐based catalysts for FTS and CO_(2) hydrogenation.Current challenges and future catalytic applications are also outlined.

Insight into MgO promoter with low concentration for the carbon-deposition resistance of Ni-based catalysts in the CO_2 reforming of CH_4

The CO2reforming of CH4is studied over MgO‐promoted Ni catalysts,which were supported on alumina prepared from hydrotalcite.This presents an improved stability compared with non‐promoted catalysts.The introduction of the MgO promoter was achieved through the‘‘memory effect’’of the Ni‐Al hydrotalcite structure,and ICP‐MS confirmed that only0.42wt.%of Mg2+ions were added into the Ni‐Mg/Al catalyst.Although no differences in the Ni particle size and basicity strength were observed,the Ni‐Mg/Al catalyst showed a higher catalytic stability than the Ni/Al catalyst.A series of surface reaction experiments were used and showed that the addition of a MgO promoter with low concentration can promote CO2dissociation to form active surface oxygen arising from the formation of the Ni‐MgO interface sites.Therefore,the carbon‐resistance promotion by nature was suggested to contribute to an oxidative environment around Ni particles,which would increase the conversion of carbon residues from CH4cracking to yield CO on the Ni metal surface.?2018,Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics,Chinese Academy of Sciences.Published by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Recent advances and perspectives in cobalt‐based heterogeneous catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting,CO_(2) reduction,and N_(2) fixation

Solar‐driven conversion of carbon dioxide,water and nitrogen into high value‐added fuels(e.g.H_(2),CO,CH_(4),CH_(3)OH,NH_(3) and so on)is regarded as an environmental‐friendly and ideal route for relieving the greenhouse gas effect and countering energy crisis,which is an attractive and challenging topic.Hence,various types of photocatalysts have been developed successively to meet the requirements of these photocatalysis.Among them,cobalt‐based heterogeneous catalysts emerge as one of the most promising photocatalysts that open up alluring vistas in the field of solar‐to‐fuels conversion,which can effectively enhance photocatalytic efficiency by extending light absorption range,promoting charge separation,providing active sites,and lowering reaction barrier.In this review,we first present the working principles of cobalt‐based heterogeneous catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting,CO_(2) reduction,and N_(2) fixation.Second,five efficient strategies including surface modification,morphology modulation,crystallinity controlling,crystal engineering and doping,are discussed for improving the photocatalytic performance with different types cobalt‐based catalysts(cobalt nanoparticles and single atom,oxides,sulfides,phosphides,MOFs,COFs,LDHs,carbide,and nitrides).Third,we outline the applications for the state‐of‐the‐art photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction and water splitting,and nitrogen fixation over cobalt‐based heterogeneous catalysts.Finally,the central challenges and possible improvements of cobalt‐based photocatalysis in the future are presented.The purpose of this review is to summarize the past experience and lessons,and provide reference for the further development of cobalt‐based photocatalysis technology.

The effect of copper valence on catalytic combustion of styrene over the copper based catalysts in the absence and presence of water vapor

Catalysts CuOx/γ,-Al2O3-IH and CuOx/γ/-Al2O3-IM were prepared, characterized, and tested for styrene combustion in the absence and presence of water vapor. The effect of copper valence of the catalysts on the catalytic activity for styrene combustion was discussed using the theory of hard soft acids and bases （HSAB）. The results showed that the existence of water vapor in feed stream inhibited the catalytic activity for styrene combustion due to the competition adsorption of water molecule. HSAB theory confirmed that the local soft acidity of the catalyst CuOx/^-AI203-1H was much stronger than that of the catalyst CuOx/^-AI203-1M because of the higher content of soft acid Cu＋ on its surface, which increased the adsorption ability toward soft base of styrene and reduced the adsorption toward hard base of water vapor, and thus increased the catalytic activity for styrene combustion and weakened the negative influence of water vapor.

Catalytic combustion of methane over nano ZrO_2-supported copper-based catalysts

The nano ZrO2-supported copper-based catalysts for methane combustion were investigated by means of N2 adsorption, TEM, XRD, H2-TPR techniques and the test of methane oxidation. Two kinds of ZrO2 were used as support, one （ZrO2-1） was obtained from the commercial ZrO2 and the other （ZrO2-2） was issued from the thermal decomposition of zirconium nitrate. It was found that the CuO/ZrO2-2 catalyst was more active than CuO/ZrO2-1. N2 adsorption, H2-TPR and XRD measurements showed that larger surface area, better reduction property, presence of tetragonal ZrO2 and higher dispersion of active component for CuO/ZrO2-2 than that of CuO/ZrO2-1. These factors could be the dominating reasons for its higher activity for methane combustion.

Effect of Ni Loading and Ce_(x)Zr_(1-x)O_(2) Promoter on Ni-Based SBA-15 Catalysts for Steam Reforming of Methane

A series of Ni/SBA-15 catalysts with Ni contents ranging from 5wt% to 20wt% as well as 10wt%Ni/10wt%CexZr1-xO2/SBA-15 （x=0, 0.5, 1） were prepared. The structures of the catalysts were characterized using XRD, TPR, TEM and BET techniques. The catalytic activities of the catalysts for steam reforming of methane were evaluated in a continuous flow microreactor. The results indicated that both the Ni/SBA-15 and the Ni/CexZr1-xO2/SBA-15 catalysts had good catalytic activities at at- mospheric pressure. The 10wt%Ni/SBA-15 catalyst exhibited excellent stability at 800 ℃ for time on stream of 740 h. After the reaction, carbon deposits were not formed on the surface of the catalyst. There existed a regular hexagonal mesoporous structure in the Ni/SBA-15 and the Ni/CexZr1-xO2/SBA-15 catalysts. The nickel species and the CexZr1-xO2 component were all confined in the SBA-15 mesopores. The CexZr1-xO2 could promote dispersion of the nickel species in the Ni/CexZr1-xO2/SBA-15 catalysts.