Nickel Supported on Y2O3-ZrO2as Highly Selective and Stable CO2Methanation Catalyst for in-Situ Propellant Production on Mars

Production of propellant for the return to Earth from in-situ resources allows not transporting the return fuel in space explorations. CO
₂
from Martian atmosphere may react with H2 to produce methane and water by Sabatier reaction. The activity of Ni (10 wt%) supported on Y
₂
O
₃
-ZrO
₂
, by different preparation methods, was compared. Structural characterization by XRD, TPR and TEM, evidenced that catalytic performances for CO
₂
methanation mainly depended on the Ni°particle size and morphology. In particular, the catalyst prepared by wet impregnation with Ni(EDTA)
^-2
complex, having high nickel dispersion and strong Ni-support interaction, showed remarkable activity, selectivity and stability over time on stream using stoichiometric flow (CO
₂
:H
₂
= 1:4), appearing like a reliable catalyst for Sabatier process.