Production of hydrogen over bimetallic Pt–Ni/δ-Al2O3: II. Indirect partial oxidation of LPG

Indirect partial oxidation (IPOX) of a 75:25 propane:n-butane mixture, which was used as a model for LPG, was studied over the bimetallic 0.2 wt%Pt–15 wt%Ni/δ-Al₂O₃ catalyst in 623–743 K temperature range. The effects of steam to carbon ratio (S/C), carbon to oxygen ratio(C/O₂) and residence time (W/F (g cat-h/mol LPG)) on the hydrogen production activity, selectivity and product distribution were studied in detail. The results are compared with the results obtained in the IPOX of pure propane. An Increasing Temperature Program (ITP) was applied during all experiments and the results showed that the presence of n-butane in the feed enhances hydrogen production activity and selectivity. Considering the well established distribution network of LPG and the superior performance of the bimetallic Pt–Ni catalyst in the IPOX of LPG, Pt–Ni system seems a very promising catalyst alternative to be used in commercial fuel processors.     

Kinetic studies of CH4 oxidation over Pt–NiO/δ-Al2O3 in a fluidised bed reactor

The oxidation of CH₄ over Pt–NiO/δ-Al₂O₃ has been studied in a fluidised bed reactor as part of a major project on an autothermal (combined oxidation–steam reforming) system for CH₄ conversion. The kinetic data were collected between 773 and 893 K and 101 kPa total pressure using CH₄ and O₂ compositions of 10–35% and 8–30%, respectively. Rate–temperature data were also obtained over alumina-supported monometallic catalysts, Pt and NiO. The bimetallic Pt–NiO system has a lower activation energy (80.8 kJ mol⁻¹) than either Pt (86.45 kJ mol⁻¹) and NiO (103.73 kJ mol⁻¹). The superior performance of the bimetallic catalyst was attributed to chemical synergy. The reaction rate over the Pt–NiO catalyst increased monotonically with CH₄ partial pressure but was inhibited by O₂. At low partial pressures (<30 kPa), H₂O has a detrimental effect on CH₄ conversion, whilst above 30 kPa, the rate increased dramatically with water content.     

Steam reforming of ethanol over Pt–Ni Catalysts

A parametric study was conducted over Pt–Ni/δ-Al₂O₃ to explore the effect of Pt and Ni contents on the ethanol steam reforming characteristics of the bimetallic catalyst. Experiments with catalysts having 0.2–0.3 wt%Pt and 10–15 wt%Ni contents indicated that the best ethanol steam reforming performance is achieved over 0.3 wt%Pt–15 wt%Ni/δ-Al₂O₃. Kinetics of ethanol steam reforming was studied over this catalyst in the 673–823 K interval using differential and integral methods of data analysis. A power-function rate expression was obtained with reaction orders of 1.01 and −0.09 in ethanol and steam, respectively, and the apparent activation energy of ethanol steam reforming over 0.3 wt%Pt–15 wt%Ni/δ-Al₂O₃ was calculated as 59.3 ± 2.3 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Autothermal reforming of methane over Ni catalysts supported over CaO–CeO2–ZrO2 solid solution

Ni catalysts supported on various solid solutions of ZrO₂ with alkaline earth oxide and/or rare earth oxide were synthesized. The catalytic activities were compared for partial oxidation of methane and autothermal reforming of methane. For partial oxidation of methane, the Ni catalyst supported on a CaO–ZrO₂ solid solution showed a high activity. Incorporation of CaO in the ZrO₂ matrix was effective for increasing the reduction rate of the NiO particles and for decreasing the coke formation. On the other hand, the Ni particles supported on the CaO–CeO₂–ZrO₂ solid solution had a strong interaction with the support, and the Ni particles showed high activity and stability for autothermal reforming of methane.     

The state of Tin on Pt–Sn/Nb2O5 catalysts

The effect of tin addition on niobia supported catalysts was studied and compared to the properties of alumina supported bimetallic Pt–Sn catalysts. The catalyst surfaces were probed by methylcyclopentane conversion, showing that both the presence of Sn and the reduction of the support caused a decrease in hydrogenolysis activity, favoring the ring enlargement reaction. The thermodynamics of reduction of these systems, evaluated by following the reduction step (temperature programmed reduction — TPR) with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and irreversible H₂ and CO uptakes, allowed to conclude that a Pt–Sn alloy is formed on niobia supported catalysts.     

Influence of CO2 and H2O on NOx storage and reduction on a Pt–Ba/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

In this paper, the effect of CO₂ and H₂O on NO_x storage and reduction over a Pt–Ba/γ-Al₂O₃ (1 wt.% Pt and 30 wt.% Ba) catalyst is shown. The experimental results reveal that in the presence of CO₂ and H₂O, NO_x is stored on BaCO₃ sites only. Moreover, H₂O inhibits the NO oxidation capability of the catalyst and no NO₂ formation is observed. Only 16% of the total barium is utilized in NO storage. The rich phase shows 95% selectivity towards N₂ as well as complete regeneration of stored NO. In the presence of CO₂, NO is oxidized into NO₂ and more NO_x is stored as in the presence of H₂O, resulting in 30% barium utilization. Bulk barium sites are inactive in NO_x trapping in the presence of CO₂·NH₃ formation is seen in the rich phase and the selectivity towards N₂ is 83%. Ba(NO₃)₂ is always completely regenerated during the subsequent rich phase. In the absence of CO₂ and H₂O, both surface and bulk barium sites are active in NO_x storage. As lean/rich cycling proceeds, the selectivity towards N₂ in the rich phase decreases from 82% to 47% and the N balance for successive lean/rich cycles shows incomplete regeneration of the catalyst. This incomplete regeneration along with a 40% decrease in the Pt dispersion and BET surface area, explains the observed decrease in NO_x storage.     

Pt–Ba–Al2O3 for NOx storage and reduction: Characterization of the dispersed species

Pt–Ba–Al₂O₃ active and selective for NO_x storage and selective reduction to N₂ has been prepared and tested. Characterization of the parent Al₂O₃, Pt–Al₂O₃ and Ba–Al₂O₃ materials, as well as of Pt–Ba–Al₂O₃ catalyst in the oxidized, reduced and sulphated state has been performed by FT-IR spectroscopy of low-temperature adsorbed carbon monoxide and of adsorbed acetonitrile. XRD, TEM and XPS analyses have also been performed. Evidence for the predominance of Ba species, which are highly dispersed on the alumina support surface, and may be carbonated or sulphated, has been provided. Competitive interaction of Pt and Ba species with the surface sites of alumina has also been found.     

Partial oxidation of methane over VOx/α-Al2O3 catalysts

The catalytic behavior of a series of VO_x/α-Al₂O₃ catalysts for the partial oxidation of methane has been evaluated. Samples with different vanadia loading were prepared from NH₄VO₃ and V(AcAc)₃. Characterization performed by TPR and oxygen uptake measurements indicates that different VO_x species are present on the samples. The catalytic patterns indicate that each V-surface species possesses different activity and selectivity. Isolated vanadates are the most active and selective towards HCHO, while V₂O₅ crystallites are detrimental to the catalytic performance.     

Selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide over mixture catalysts of V–Sb–O and Bi2O3

The selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide containing excess water and ammonia was studied over vanadium–antimony mixed oxide catalysts. The investigation was focused on the phase cooperation between V–Sb–O and Bi₂O₃ in this reaction. Strong synergistic phenomenon in catalytic activity was observed for the mechanically mixed catalysts of V–Sb–O and Bi₂O₃. Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and oxidation (TPO), two separated bed reaction tests, and XPS analyses were carried out to explain this synergistic effect by the reoxidation ability of Bi₂O₃.     

Passivation of a Co–Ru/γ-Al2O3 Fischer–Tropsch catalyst

Passivation of highly dispersed metal catalysts after reduction is necessary prior to exposure to air due to the exothermicity of metal oxidation. This exothermicity can result in a significant increase in temperature of the catalyst resulting in catalyst degradation and a potential fire hazard. This paper reports the results of a study of passivation of Ru-promoted Co/alumina. Passivations using CO and CO+H₂ mixtures were compared to the standard method of passivation using small concentrations of O₂. Passivation by CO+H₂ resulted in a lower temperature rise upon exposure to air than oxygen passivation. Passivation using CO/H₂=10 resulted in a catalyst whose catalytic activity for CO hydrogenation was able to be recovered after exposure to air by re-reduction similar to after oxygen passivation. CO passivation yielded a catalyst that was not able to be as well recovered upon re-reduction, probably due to the formation of graphitic carbon. Exposure of the CO/H₂ passivated catalyst to air for at least 90 min actually made it easier to recover the original activity upon re-reduction. This is probably related to the oxidation of the carbidic passivation layer during air exposure.     

Catalytic conversion of methane and CO2 to synthesis gas over a La2O3-modified SiO2 supported Ni catalyst in fluidized-bed reactor

In this contribution, a commercial spherical SiO₂ was modified with different amounts of La₂O₃, and used as the support of Ni catalysts for autothermal reforming of methane in a fluidized-bed reactor. Nitrogen adsorption, XRD and H₂-TPR analysis indicated that La₂O₃-modified SiO₂ had higher surface area, strengthened interaction between Ni and support, and improved dispersion of Ni. CO₂-TPD found that La₂O₃ increased the alkalescence of SiO₂ and improved the activation of CO₂. Coking reaction (via both temperature-programmed surface reaction of CH₄ (CH₄-TPSR) and pulse decomposition of CH₄) disclosed that La₂O₃ reduced the dehydrogenation ability of Ni. CO₂-TPO, O₂-TPO (followed after CH₄-TPSR) confirmed that only part amount of carbon species derived from methane decomposition could be removed by CO₂, and O₂ in feed played a crucial role for the gasification of the inactive surface carbons. Ni/xLa₂O₃-SiO₂ (x = 10, 15, 30) possessed high activity and excellent stability for autothermal reforming of methane in a fluidized-bed reactor.     

Pd–Pt/Al2O3 bimetallic catalysts for the advanced oxidation of reactive dye solutions

The Pd–Pt/Al₂O₃ bimetallic catalysts showed high activities toward the wet oxidation of the reactive dyes in the presence of 1% H₂ together with excess oxygen. Palladium was believed to act as a co-catalyst to spillover the adsorbed H₂ onto the surface of the oxidized Pt surface, and thereby the reducibility of the Pt increased greatly. The organic dye molecule adsorbed on the reduced Pt surface more easily than the oxidized Pt surface under the competition with excess oxygen, which is an essential step for the catalytic wet oxidation (CWO). The Pd–Pt/Al₂O₃ catalysts also produced H₂O₂ from H₂/O₂ mixture, and the hydroxyl radical was formed through the subsequent decomposition of H₂O₂. Additional oxidation of the reactive dyes was obtained with hydroxyl radical. The high activities of the Pd–Pt/Al₂O₃ catalysts were believed to be due to the combined effects of the faster redox cycle resulting from the increased reducibility of Pt surface and the additional oxidation of the reactive dyes with hydroxyl radical.     

Low-temperature 1,3-butadiene hydrogenation over supported Pt/3d/γ-Al2O3 bimetallic catalysts

Low-temperature 1,3-butadiene hydrogenation is used as a probe reaction to investigate the hydrogenation activity over several γ-Al₂O₃ supported Pt/3d (3d = Co, Ni, Cu) bimetallic catalysts. Batch and flow reactor studies are employed to quantify the kinetic activity and steady-state conversion, respectively, of each catalyst. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is utilized to characterize particle sizes and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements are performed to verify the Pt–3d bimetallic bond formation. Pulse carbon monoxide chemisorption measurements are also performed to characterize the number of active sites. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are included to determine the binding energies of 1,3-butadiene and atomic hydrogen on the corresponding model surfaces. The binding energies of the adsorbates are found to correlate with the hydrogenation activity, allowing for use of such correlation to potentially predict hydrogenation catalysts with enhanced activity based on the binding energies of the adsorbates of interest.     

The promoting effect of Nb2O5 addition to Pd/Al2O3 catalysts on propane oxidation

Pd/Nb₂O₅/Al₂O₃ catalysts were investigated on propane oxidation. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggested that monolayer coverage was attained between 10 and 20 wt.% of Nb₂O₅. Temperature programmed reduction (TPR) evidenced the partial reduction of niobium oxide. The maximum propane conversion observed on the Pd/10% Nb₂O₅/Al₂O₃ corresponded to the maximum Nb/Al surface ratio. The presence of NbO_x polymeric structures near to the monolayer could favor the ideal Pd⁰/Pd²⁺ surface ratio to the propane oxidation which could explain the promoting effect of niobium oxide.     

Hydrodeoxygenation of methyl esters on sulphided NiMo/γ-Al2O3 and CoMo/γ-Al2O3 catalysts

Wood-derived bio-oil contains high amounts of compounds with different oxygen-containing functional groups that must be removed to improve the fuel characteristics. Elimination of oxygen from carboxylic groups was studied with model compounds, methyl heptanoate and methyl hexanoate, on sulphided NiMo/γ-Al₂O₃ and CoMo/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts in a flow reactor. Catalyst performances and reaction schemes were addressed. Aliphatic methyl esters produced hydrocarbons via three main paths: The first path gave alcohols followed by dehydration to hydrocarbons. Deesterification yielded an alcohol and a carboxylic acid in the second path. Carboxylic acid was further converted to hydrocarbons either directly or with an alcohol intermediate. Decarboxylation of the esters led to hydrocarbons in the third path. No oxygen-containing compounds were detected at complete conversions. However, the product distributions changed with time, even at complete conversions, indicating that both catalysts deactivated under the studied conditions.     

Conditioning of Rh/α-Al2O3 catalysts for H2 production via CH4 partial oxidation at high space velocity

Experimental evidence and literature indications suggest that the process of methane partial oxidation over Rh catalysts is structure sensitive. Crystal phases and Rh cluster size are thus expected to affect the final catalytic performance. In this work, it is observed that outstanding performances are obtained when the as-prepared catalysts are conditioned through repeated runs at increasing temperature and O₂/CH₄ = 0.56. Catalysts slowly activate, that is CH₄ conversion and synthesis gas selectivity progressively grow with time on stream. On the basis of TPO and CH₄ decomposition measurements, this phenomenon is herein explained as the result of a surface reconstruction driven by the repeated exposition to the reaction at high temperature; it is thought that such reconstruction tends to eliminate defect sites and disfavors C-deposition reactions (extremely fast over steps and kinks). Conditioning with O₂-enriched feed streams makes conditioning faster, since the accumulation of surface C-species is suppressed; however, the catalyst is eventually less active than a catalyst conditioned with standard feed mixtures. As an alternative, accumulation of carbon can be suppressed and surface reconstruction proceeds faster if the catalyst is directly exposed to the reaction at high temperature for several hours.     

Steam reforming of the aqueous fraction of bio-oil over structured Ru/MgO/Al2O3 catalysts

A catalyst consisting of Ru (5%) dispersed on 15% MgO/Al₂O₃ carrier exhibits high activity and selectivity, as well as satisfactory stability with time on stream, under conditions of steam reforming of acetic acid, a model compound for pyrolysis oil. The presence of MgO in the catalyst formulation is shown to be related to oxygen and/or hydroxyl radical spillover from the carrier to the metal particles. A series of Ru/MgO/Al₂O₃ catalysts supported on cordierite monoliths, ceramic foams and γ-Al₂O₃ pellets were prepared and tested for the production of hydrogen by catalytic steam reforming of the aqueous fraction of bio-oil. All different structural forms of the catalyst exhibited satisfactory activity, converting completely the bio-oil, good selectivity toward hydrogen and satisfactory stability with time on stream. However, the catalyst supported on pellets exhibited the best catalytic performance, among all catalysts investigated. Reforming reactions, and thus hydrogen production, are favoured at high temperatures and low space velocities. Coking is one of the most significant problems encountered in these processes. It was found that only a small part of the incoming carbon is deposited on the catalyst surface, which is mainly present as CH_x. However, coke deposition is more intense on the reactor wall above the catalytic bed, due to homogeneous polymerization of unstable ingredients of bio-oil.     

Ethanol steam reforming over Ni/La–Al2O3 catalysts: Influence of lanthanum loading

Hydrogen production from ethanol reforming over nickel catalysts supported on lanthanum loaded Al₂O₃ substrates was studied. Activity results revealed the enhancement in the reforming stability of the Ni catalysts with the increase in the lanthanum loading on Al₂O₃ substrates. Catalytic behavior of Ni/La–Al₂O₃ catalysts in the ethanol steam reforming was found to be the contribution of the activity of the La–Al₂O₃ supports for the ethanol dehydration reaction and the activity of the nickel metallic phase that catalyzes both dehydrogenation and CC bond rupture. Physicochemical characterization of catalysts revealed that acidity, nickel dispersion and nickel-support interaction depend on the La-loading on Al₂O₃. The better reforming stability of catalysts with the increase in La content was explained in terms of the ability of nickel surface and/or La–Ni interactions to prevent the formation of carbon filaments.     

An FT-IR and flow reactor study of the conversion of propane on γ-Al2O3 in oxygen-containing atmosphere

The conversion of propane in the presence of oxygen over alumina has been studied using a fixed bed flow reactor. The interaction of the same catalyst with propane, propene, isopropanol and acetone has also been investigated, with additional gas-phase monitoring, in an FT-IR cell. Alumina looks active in the catalytic conversion of propane to propene, with the production of CO₂, CO, ethylene, methane as the main by-products, depending on the reaction temperature. Higher hydrocarbons such as butenes, butadiene, benzene and toluene are also found.

This reactivity is mainly attributed to the weak but not negligible Brønsted acidity of the surface OH’s of alumina, possibly activating propane in the form of isopropoxides and allowing oligomerization of propene. This shows the detrimental effect of the uncovered alumina support in the case of alumina-supported catalysts for propane oxydehydrogenation and explains the positive role of doping with basic neutralizing agents such as potassium.     

M/γ-Al2O3催化剂对煤油水重整制氢的影响

以γ-Al₂O₃为载体,采用等体积分步浸渍法制备了以Ni为活性组分,La、Ce、Fe、Cr、Co为助剂的催化剂M/γ-Al₂O₃,在固定床管式反应器中研究了M/γ-Al₂O₃催化剂的性能,考察了反应温度、水碳比和空速对氢产率的影响,并对催化剂进行XRD、SEM和BET表征。结果表明,NiLaCeFeCrCo/γ-Al₂O₃催化剂具有较好的催化性能,在反应温度700 ℃、水碳物质的量比10和空速6 min^-1的条件下,氢产率达到27.335 mol·mol^-1,并在300 min内表现出较好的活性,平均氢产率为21.966 mol·mol^-1。