Metal utilization ratio regulation coupling with SrF₂ modification of nickel phyllosilicate catalyst for enhanced CO₂ methanation

To improve the catalytic activity of the Ni-phyllosilicates for CO₂ methanation, a two-pronged one-pot microwave method is proposed to increase the metal utilization ratio by reducing the layer thickness, coupling with the Sr-containing promoter modification strategy. The ultrathin layer around 0.95 nm is constructed owing to rapid synthesis property in 5 min to ensure the successful synthesis and inhibit the overgrowth of Ni-phyllosilicate. Meanwhile, Sr-based promoter is in the form of SrF₂ rather than SrO through this method, leading to significant promotion effect for CO₂ methanation. The electronic environment of metallic Ni is changed after the modification of SrF₂, confirmed by the results of X-ray absorption fine structure spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy results display the enhanced activation property of CO₂ after the change of electronic environment, leading to higher catalytic activity. In all, this work proposes a powerful SrF₂-modified Ni-phyllosilicate catalyst with high catalytic activity using a time-saving, low energy-consumed microwave method, which can be expanded to prepare other materials for various catalytic reactions. © 2025 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC