Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: RAONY ASSUNÇÃO DA SILVA BORGES

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : RAONY ASSUNÇÃO DA SILVA BORGES
DATE: 13/02/2026
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: Auditório LABTAM
TITLE:

CO₂ METHANATION WITH EUROPIUM-DOPED NICKEL CATALYSTS

KEY WORDS:

methanation; nickel; europium; heterogeneous catalysis; power-to-gas.

PAGES: 70
BIG AREA: Engenharias
AREA: Engenharia Química
SUMMARY:

The growing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere is driving the development of catalytic technologies aimed at converting it into synthetic fuels, such as methane, integrating the power-to-gas concept. In this context, this work aims to investigate the effect of europium (Eu³⁺) dopant on the catalytic activity of nickel-based catalysts supported on Al₂O₃, prepared at concentrations of 1, 2, 3, and 4% by mass. The catalysts were synthesised by the microwave-assisted combustion method, followed by wet impregnation, and characterised by N₂ adsorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), programmed temperature reduction (TPR-H₂), CO₂ desorption (TPD-CO₂) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The methane catalysis tests were conducted in a fixed bed reactor under a reducing atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 600 °C. The results indicated that europium doping promoted greater dispersion of Ni particles and an increase in surface basicity, favouring CO₂ adsorption and activation. The catalyst containing 3% Eu showed the best performance, with a maximum CO₂ conversion close to 60% and higher CH₄ yield, as evidenced in the conversion and yield profiles. The analyses also point to increased thermal stability and resistance to sintering, suggesting that the controlled introduction of the dopant contributes to the formation of more stable and reactive Ni–Eu–O species. Thus, modification with europium proved to be an efficient strategy for improving the activity and durability of Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts for CO₂ methanation, showing promising potential for sustainable carbon capture and conversion applications.

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1979301 - RENATA MARTINS BRAGA
Externo ao Programa - 3491716 - ANGELO ANDERSON SILVA DE OLIVEIRA - UFRNExterna ao Programa - 349770 - DULCE MARIA DE ARAUJO MELO - UFRNExterno à Instituição - RODOLFO LUIZ BEZERRA DE ARAÚJO MEDEIROS - UFRN