Efficient and robust reforming catalyst in severe reaction conditions by nanoprecursor reduction in confined space.

The in situ autocombustion synthesis route is shown to be an easy and efficient way to produce nanoscaled nickel oxide containing lanthanum-doped mesoporous silica composite. Through this approach, ~3 nm NiO particles homogeneously dispersed in the pores of silica are obtained, while lanthanum is observed to cover the surface of the silica pore wall. Subsequent reduction of such composite precursors under hydrogen generates Ni(0) nanoparticles of a comparable size.

A general route to synthesize supported isolated oxide and mixed-oxide nanoclusters at sizes below 5 nm.

A simple and efficient route to prepare supported nanocrystalline oxides is presented. The synthesis procedure, i.e.