Rare earth modified Ni-γalumina catalysts for CO2 recycling into life support consumables and fuel

In in-situ resource utilization and in atmosphere revitalization processes, CO2 may be recycled to produce methane and water by Sabatier reaction. The traditional Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst for Sabatier reaction was modified by addition of rare earth oxides La2O3 and/or CeO2 in order to improve activity, selectivity and stability. Preliminary results showed that La addition improved activity and CH4 selectivity against CO more than Ce addition. Catalytic activity was tested using stoichiometric flow (CO2:H2 = 1:4) without dilution.