Characterizations and activities of the nano-sized Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/La–Al2O3 catalysts for NH3 decomposition

A series of nano-sized Ni/Al₂O₃ and Ni/La–Al₂O₃ catalysts that possess high activities for NH₃ decomposition have been successfully synthesized by a coprecipitation method. The catalytic performance was investigated under the atmospheric conditions and a significant enhancement in the activity after the introduction of La was observed. Aiming to study the influence of La promoter on the physicochemical properties, we characterized the catalysts by N₂ adsorption/desorption, XRD, H₂-TPR, chemisorption and TEM techniques. Physisorption results suggested a high specific surface area and XRD spectra showed that nickel particles are in a highly dispersed state. A combination of XRD, TEM and chemisorption showed that Ni⁰ particles with the average size lower than 5.0 nm are always obtained even though the Ni loading ranged widely from 4 to 63%. Compared with the Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts, the Ni/La–Al₂O₃ ones with an appropriate amount of promoter enjoy a more open mesoporous structure and higher dispersion of Ni. Reduction kinetic studies of prepared catalysts were investigated by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) method and the fact that La additive partially destroyed the metastable Ni–Al mixed oxide phase was detailed.     

Thermal decomposition of Li3AlH6 with TiAl3 catalyst

It has been found that the reaction products between TiCl₃ and Li₃AlH₆ by mechanical milling consist of LiCl and TiAl₃ together with TiH₂. Thermodynamic calculation also predicts that TiAl₃ becomes dominant over TiH₂ with increasing temperature. Based on this, ultra-fine TiAl₃ powder having the primary particle size of about 100 nm has been mechanochemically synthesized from a mixture of TiCl₃, AlCl₃ and Mg. The addition of this TiAl₃ powder into Li₃AlH₆ clearly shows a good catalytic effect on the thermal decomposition of Li₃AlH₆ as expected. The use of fine TiAl₃ catalyst is certainly more favorable than TiCl₃ in terms of hydrogen storage capacity as it does not produce irreversible chloride byproduct in alanates.     

Experimental and microkinetic modeling of steady-state NO reduction by H2 on Pt/BaO/Al2O3 monolith catalysts

Experimental results describing the product distribution during the reduction of NO by H₂ on Pt/Al₂O₃ and Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ catalysts are presented in the temperature range 30–500 °C and H₂/NO feed ratio range of 0.9–2.5. A microkinetic model that describes the kinetics of NO reduction by H₂ on Pt/Al₂O₃ is proposed and most of the kinetic parameters are estimated from either literature data or from thermodynamic constraints. The microkinetic model is combined with the short monolith flow model to simulate the conversions and selectivities corresponding to the experimental conditions. The predicted trends are in excellent qualitative and reasonable quantitative agreement with the experimental results. Both the model and the experiments show that N₂O formation is favored at low temperatures and low H₂/NO feed ratios, N₂ selectivity increases monotonically with temperature for H₂/NO feed ratios of 1.2 or less but goes through a maximum at intermediate temperatures (around 100 °C) for H₂/NO feed ratios 1.5 or higher. Ammonia formation is favored for H₂/NO feed ratios of 1.5 or higher and intermediate temperatures (100–350 °C) buts starts to decompose at a temperature of 400 °C or higher. The microkinetic model is used to determine the surface coverages and explain the trends in the experimentally observed selectivities.     

Electrocatalyst materials for fuel cells based on the polyoxometalates—K7 or H7[(P2W17O61)Fe(H2O)] and Na12 or H12[(P2W15O56)2Fe4(H2O)2]

Free acids of the iron substituted heteropoly acids (HPA), H₇[(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Fe^III(H₂O)] (HFe1) and H₁₈[(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂Fe^III₂(H₂O)₂] (HFe2) were prepared from the salts K₇[(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Fe^III(H₂O)] (KFe1) and Na₁₂[(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂Fe^III₄(H₂O)₂] (NaFe4), respectively. The iron-substituted HPA were adsorbed on to XC-72 carbon based GDLs to form HPA doped GDEs after water washing with HPA loadings of ca. 1 μmol. The HPA was detected throughout the GDL by EDX. Solution electrochemistry of the free acids are reported for the first time in sulfate buffer, pH 1-3. The hydrogen oxidation reaction was catalyzed by KFe1 at 0.33 V, with an exchange current density of 38 mA/cm². Moderate activity for the oxygen reduction reaction was observed for the iron substituted HPA, which was dramatically improved by selectively removing oxygen atoms from the HPA by cycling the fuel cell cathode under N₂ followed by reoxidation to give a restructured oxide catalyst. The nanostructured oxide achieved an OCV of 0.7 V with a Tafel slope of 115 mV/decade. Cycling the same catalysts in oxygen resulted in an improved catalyst/ionomer/carbon configuration with a slightly higher Tafel slope, 128 mV/decade but a respectable current density of 100 mA/cm² at 0.2 V.     

Electrocatalytic oxidation of coal on Ti-supported metal oxides coupled with liquid catalysts for H2 production

Electrocatalytic oxidation of coal on Ti-supported metal/metal oxides coupled with liquid catalysts is systematically investigated as a method of producing hydrogen at the cathode. The composition of the liquid catalyst was varied to determine its effect on the coal electrolysis. A spectrum of byproducts from the coal oxidation at the anode was analyzed. The Ti-supported metal oxide electrodes were prepared by thermal decomposition and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction results show that the composition of the electrodes was Ti/Pt, Ti/RuO₂, Ti/IrO₂ and Ti/IrO₂–RuO₂. Coal oxidation tests on these electrodes indicate that Ti/IrO₂ has the best electrocatalytic activity. Polarization curves reveal that redox catalysts, such as Fe³⁺, K₃Fe(CN)₆, KBr and V₂O₅, bridge the coal particles and the solid electrode surface, thus increasing the rates of coal oxidation. The dynamic transition of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ is proven by a KMnO₄ titration experiment, and the possible catalytic mechanism is discussed. Product analysis shows that pure H₂ is generated at the cathode and that CO₂ is the main product at the anode.     

Mechanistic aspects of N2O and N2 formation in NO reduction by NH3 over Ag/Al2O3: The effect of O2 and H2

A mechanistic scheme of N₂O and N₂ formation in the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH₃ over a Ag/Al₂O₃ catalyst in the presence and absence of H₂ and O₂ was developed by applying a combination of different techniques: transient experiments with isotopic tracers in the temporal analysis of products reactor, HRTEM, in situ UV/vis and in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Based on the results of transient isotopic analysis and in situ IR experiments, it is suggested that N₂ and N₂O are formed via direct or oxygen-induced decomposition of surface NH₂NO species. These intermediates originate from NO and surface NH₂ fragments. The latter NH₂ species are formed upon stripping of hydrogen from ammonia by adsorbed oxygen species, which are produced over reduced silver species from NO, N₂O and O₂. The latter is the dominant supplier of active oxygen species. Lattice oxygen in oxidized AgO_x particles is less active than adsorbed oxygen species particularly below 623 K. The previously reported significant diminishing of N₂O production in the presence of H₂ is ascribed to hydrogen-induced generation of metallic silver sites, which are responsible for N₂O decomposition.     

Reactivity of NO/NO2–NH3 SCR system for diesel exhaust aftertreatment: Identification of the reaction network as a function of temperature and NO2 feed content

We present a systematic study of the NH₃-SCR reactivity over a commercial V₂O₅–WO₃/TiO₂ catalyst in a wide range of temperatures and NO/NO₂ feed ratios, which cover (and exceed) those of interest for industrial applications to the aftertreatment of exhaust gases from diesel vehicles. The experiments confirm that the best deNO_x efficiency is achieved with a 1/1 NO/NO₂ feed ratio. The main reactions prevailing at the different operating conditions have been identified, and an overall reaction scheme is herein proposed.

Particular attention has been paid to the role of ammonium nitrate, which forms rapidly at low temperatures and with excess NO₂, determining a lower N₂ selectivity of the deNO_x process. Data are presented which show that the chemistry of the NO/NO₂–NH₃ reacting system can be fully interpreted according to a mechanism which involves: (i) dimerization/disproportion of NO₂ and reaction with NH₃ and water to give ammonium nitrite and ammonium nitrate; (ii) reduction of ammonium nitrate by NO to ammonium nitrite; (iii) decomposition of ammonium nitrite to nitrogen. Such a scheme explains the peculiar deNO_x reactivity at low temperature in the presence of NO₂, the optimal stoichiometry (NO/NO₂ = 1/1), and the observed selectivities to all the major N-containing products (N₂, NH₄NO₃, HNO₃, N₂O). It also provides the basis for the development of a mechanistic kinetic model of the NO/NO₂–NH₃ SCR reacting system.     

Preparation of egg-shell type Al2O3-supported CdS photocatalysts for reduction of H2O to H2

Alumina-supported cadmium sulfide photocatalysts were prepared for the photocatalytic reduction of water to hydrogen using visible light. The activity depends on the nature of interaction between alumina and cadmium and also on the distribution of CdS on the support. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen desorption and temperature-programmed oxidation. The impregnation of alumina hydrogel with an ammoniacal solution results into a chemical interaction between cadmium sulfide and alumina and also yields a preferential distribution of cadmium sulfide on the surface which give a better activity to the photocatalyst. The possible role of ammonia in causing the solute segregation to the surface during the drying stage of the catalyst preparation has been explained.     

Oxidation of dilute H2 and H2/O2 mixtures by hydrogenases and Pt

Hydrogenase enzymes that allow micro-organisms to gain energy from oxidation of H₂ undergo efficient electrocatalysis of H₂ oxidation or production when adsorbed on a graphite rotating disk electrode [K.A. Vincent, A. Parkin, F.A. Armstrong, Chem. Rev. 107 (2007) 4366]. Combining potential sweeps or steps with precisely controlled gas exchanges is enabling us to build up a detailed understanding of the many factors that control the chemistry of nickel-iron membrane-bound hydrogenase (MBH) enzymes. The observation that the MBH enzymes from Ralstonia strains have extremely high affinity for H₂ and continue oxidising H₂ in the presence of O₂ and CO has relevance for selective fuel cell catalysis [K.A. Vincent, J.A. Cracknell, J.R. Clark, M. Ludwig, O. Lenz, B. Friedrich, F.A. Armstrong, Chem. Commun. (2006) 5033; K.A. Vincent, J.A. Cracknell, O. Lenz, I. Zebger, B. Friedrich, F.A. Armstrong, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 102 (2005) 16951], and this has led us to compare the ability of hydrogenases and platinum to oxidise low levels of H₂ and mixtures of H₂ and O₂. We show that Pt is a poor catalyst for oxidation of sub-atmospheric levels of H₂ compared to the MBH from Ralstonia eutropha H16, and that at a platinised electrode, H₂ oxidation competes less favourably with reduction of O₂ compared to the situation at hydrogenase-modified graphite. This should have implications for development of future selective energy catalysts able to concentrate the energy available from dilute H₂.     

Pt-Co/C nanoparticles as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction in H2SO4 and H2SO4/CH3OH electrolytes

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was studied on carbon dispersed Pt and Pt-Co alloyed nanocatalysts with high contents of Co in H₂SO₄ and H₂SO₄/CH₃OH solutions. The characterization techniques considered were transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and in situ X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). The electrochemical activity for the ORR was evaluated from steady state polarization measurements, which were carried out in an ultra thin layer rotating disk electrode. The results showed that with the increase of Co content, the nanoparticle size distributions become sharper and the mean particle diameters become smaller. XRD indicated low degree of alloy formation but significant phase segregation of Co was observed only for Pt-Co/C 1:3 and 1:5 (Pt:Co atomic ratios). The electrochemical measurements indicated that the four-electrons mechanism is mainly followed for the ORR on all materials and the electrocatalytic activities per gram of Pt is higher for the catalysts with higher Co contents. This was explained based on the XANES results which evidenced a decrease of the coverage of oxygenated Pt adsorbates due to the presence of Co. In the methanol-containing electrolyte, the Pt-Co/C 1:5 catalyst showed the highest performance. This was attributed to its low activity for the methanol oxidation due to the smaller probability for presenting three Pt neighboring Pt active sites.     

Cs-modified iron nanoparticles encapsulated in microporous and mesoporous SiO2 for COx-free H2 production via ammonia decomposition

The stable core–shell Fe@SiO₂ catalysts reported in this paper are highly efficient for the generation of CO_x-free H₂ through ammonia decomposition. By tuning the porosity of SiO₂ shells (using C₁₈TMS agent) and with the introduction of an appropriate amount of Cs dopant (via pre-deposition as well as post-impregnation), the diffusion efficiency of the catalysts and the surface property of Fe cores can be modified for better performance. The Fe@SiO₂ structures function as microcapsular-like reactors during ammonia decomposition. Naked nanoparticles of metallic iron tend to aggregate into bulk particles spontaneously. The role of the stable SiO₂ shells is to prevent the enwrapped core particles from aggregation at high reaction temperatures.     

Mechanistic insights into the formation of N2O and N2 in NO reduction by NH3 over a polycrystalline platinum catalyst

The reaction pathways of N₂ and N₂O formation in the direct decomposition and reduction of NO by NH₃ were investigated over a polycrystalline Pt catalyst between 323 and 973 K by transient experiments using the temporal analysis of products (TAP-2) reactor. The interaction between nitric oxide and ammonia was studied in the sequential pulse mode applying ¹⁵NO. Differently labelled nitrogen and nitrous oxide molecules were detected. In both, direct NO decomposition and NH₃–NO interaction, N₂O formation was most marked between 573 and 673 K, whereas N₂ formation dominated at higher temperatures. An unusual interruption of nitrogen formation in the ¹⁵NO pulse at 473 K was caused by an inhibiting effect of adsorbed NO species. The detailed analysis of the product distribution at this temperature clearly indicates different reaction pathways leading to the product formation. Nitrogen formation occurs via recombination of nitrogen atoms formed by dissociation of nitric oxide or/and complete dehydrogenation of ammonia. N₂O is formed via recombination of adsorbed NO molecules. Additionally, both products are formed via interactions between adsorbed ammonia fragments and nitric oxide.     

Effect of different oxygen species originating from the dissociation of O2, N2O and NO on the selectivity of the Pt-catalysed NH3 oxidation

An effect of oxygen species formed from O₂, N₂O and NO on the selectivity of the catalytic oxidation of ammonia was studied over a polycrystalline Pt catalyst using the temporal analysis of products (TAP) reactor. The transient experiments were performed in the temperature range between 773 and 1073 K in a sequential pulse mode with a time interval of 0.2 s between the pulses of the oxidant (O₂, N₂O and NO) and NH₃. In contrast to adsorbed oxygen species formed from NO, those from O₂ and N₂O reacted with ammonia yielding NO. It is suggested that the difference between these oxidising agents may be related to the different active sites for dissociation of O₂, N₂O and NO, where oxygen species of various Pt-O strength are formed. Weaker bound oxygen species, which are active for NO formation, originate from O₂ and N₂O rather than from NO. These species may be of bi-atomic nature.     

Preparation, performances and reaction mechanism for the synthesis of H2O2 from H2 and O2 based on palladium membranes

A series of new tubular catalytic membranes (TCM's) have been prepared and tested in the direct synthesis of H₂O₂. Such TCM's are asymmetric -alumina mesoporous membranes supported on macroporous -alumina, either with a subsequent carbon coating (CAM) or without (AAM). Pd was introduced by two different impregnation techniques. Deposition–precipitation (DP) was applied to CAM's to obtain an even Pd particles distribution inside the membrane pore network, whereas electroless plating deposition (EPD) was successfully applied to AAM's to give a 1–10 μm thick nearly-dense Pd layer. Both type of membranes were active in the direct synthesis of H₂O₂. Catalytic tests were carried out in a semi-batch re-circulating reactor under very mild conditions. Concentrations as high as 250–300 ppm H₂O₂ were commonly achieved with both CAM's and AAM's after 6–7 h time on stream, whereas the decomposition rate was particularly high in the presence of H₂. Important features are the temperature control and pre-activation. In order to slow down the decomposition and favor the synthesis of H₂O₂ a smooth metal surface is needed.     

Direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from H2 and O2 using zeolite-supported Au-Pd catalysts

The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from H₂ and O₂ using zeolite-supported Au-Pd catalysts is described using two zeolites, ZSM-5 and zeolite Y, using an impregnation method of preparation. The addition of Pd to Au for these catalysts significantly enhances the productivity for hydrogen peroxide. The use of zeolites as a support for Au-Pd gives higher rates of hydrogen peroxide formation when compared with alumina-supported Au catalysts prepared using a similar method. The addition of metals other than Pd is also investigated, but generally Au-Pd catalysts give the highest activity for the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. The addition of Ru and Rh have no significant effect, but the addition of Pt does enhance the activity for the selective formation of hydrogen peroxide.     

Direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from H2 and O2 using zeolite-supported Au catalysts

The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from H₂ and O₂ using zeolite-supported Au catalysts is described and their activity is contrasted with silica- and alumina-supported Au catalysts. Two zeolites were investigated, ZSM-5 and zeolite Y. The effect of calcination of these catalysts is studied and it is found that for uncalcined catalysts high rates of hydrogen peroxide formation are observed, but these catalysts are unstable and lose Au during use. Consequently, reuse of these catalysts leads to lower rates of hydrogen peroxide formation. However, catalysts calcined at 400 °C are more stable and can be reused without loss of gold. The use of zeolites as a support for Au gives comparable rates of hydrogen peroxide formation to alumina-supported Au catalysts and higher rates when compared with silica-supported catalysts. prepared using a similar method. Zeolite Y-supported catalysts are more active than ZSM-5-supported catalysts for the stable calcined materials. It is considered that the overall activity of these supported catalysts may be related to the aluminium content as the activity increases with increasing aluminium content.     

Iron porphyrin-based cathode catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: Effect of NH3 and Ar mixtures as pyrolysis gases on catalytic activity and stability

Ten different catalysts were prepared by loading 66 wt% ClFeTMPP on N330, a furnace grade carbon black, and pyrolyzing this catalyst precursor for 10 min at 950 °C in a NH₃/Ar gas mixture with various NH₃ volume fractions (from 0% to 100%). The activity and stability of these catalysts were measured in a fuel cell and compared. The only stable catalyst, although the least active, among these was the one pyrolyzed in pure Ar. A notable leap in catalytic activity, but drop in stability, was observed for all catalysts pyrolyzed in gas mixtures containing NH₃, even with a mere volume fraction of 1.3% NH₃ in the pyrolysis gas mixture. Catalytic activities increased, while stability decreased with increasing volume fraction of NH₃. The physicochemical properties of these catalysts were correlated with their electrochemical behaviour observed in fuel cell tests. It was found that a volume fraction of only 1.3% NH₃ was enough to double the micropore surface area, the surface nitrogen and iron concentrations in the resulting catalyst. Since the active sites are believed to be of the Fe/N/C type, the sharp increase in catalytic activity with as little as 1.3% NH₃ is attributed to the concurrent increase in microporous surface area, N and Fe surface contents in these catalysts. The only property that apparently correlates with stability is the degree of graphitization of the catalyst, which was estimated either from either X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Lastly, it was found that the catalysts’ peroxide yield, resulting from the partial reduction of O₂, does not correlate with their degree of stability.     

Mechanisms of NH3 formation during the reaction of H2 with nitrogen containing carbonaceous materials

A molecular modeling study using density functional theory was carried out in order to get an insight of the thermodynamics and mechanisms for NH₃ evolution during the reaction of hydrogen with nitrogen containing carbonaceous materials using pyridinic nitrogen species as a model. Both zigzag and armchair configurations were used to model the local structure of the carbonaceous materials. Based on thermodynamic argument, we propose reaction mechanisms that involve consecutive hydrogenation steps and rearrangements that lead to the formation of C-NH₂ groups. Dissociation of the C-N bond releases NH₂ radicals to the gas phase. NH₃ can be produced either through homogeneous or heterogeneous hydrogen abstraction or recombination reactions. It was found that the first hydrogenation reaction is highly exothermic, further hydrogenations are endothermic. Several pathways for NH₃ evolution were proposed, most of them are exothermic reactions. Rate constants for the NH₂ desorption step were calculated using the transition state theory.     

Growth and characteristics of carbon nanotubes obtained under different C2H2/H2/NH3 concentrations

Aligned carbon nanotubes were synthesized under a combination of 20 different C₂H₂/H₂/NH₃ compositions at 700 °C using a thermal chemical vapor deposition method. Thin film Fe was used as the catalyst, which was pretreated with H₂ or NH₃ prior to the growth of carbon nanotubes. The use of different pretreatment gases results in little difference in the growth and characteristics of the carbon nanotubes except that the carbon nanotubes grown on H₂ treated catalysts have smaller diameters. The growth rate of the CNTs does not depend on the NH₃ concentration but on the ratio of NH₃/C₂H₂. There is a critical NH₃/C₂H₂ ratio that is independent of the C₂H₂ concentration and at which the peak growth rate occurs. The critical value was found to be 4.7 ± 1.2. Microstructural analysis indicates that the carbon nanotubes obtained at higher NH₃ concentrations contain defects and disorder. Field emission tests show that the carbon nanotubes exhibit a turn-on field of 2.36 V/μm and a maximum current density of 1.91 mA/cm². The field emission properties were found to be stable after 15 test cycles.     

Study of the NOχ reaction with reducing gases on Fe/ZrO2 catalyst

The Fe/ZrO₂ catalyst (1% Fe by weight) shows a strong adsorption capacity toward the nitric oxide (at room temperature the ratio NOFe is ca. 0.5) as a consequence of the formation of a highly dispersed iron phase after reduction at 500–773 K. Nitric oxide is adsorbed mainly as nitrosyl species on the reduced surface where the Fe²⁺ sites are prevailing, but it is easily oxidised by oxygen forming nitrito and nitrato species adsorbed on the support. However, in the presence of a reducing gas such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, propane and ammonia at 473–573 K the Fe-nitrosyl species react producing nitrogen, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide and water, as detected by FTIR and mass spectrometers. The results show that nitric oxide reduction is more facile with hydrogen containing molecules than with CO, probably due the co-operation of spillover effects. Experiments carried out with the same gases in the presence of oxygen show, however, a reduced dissociative activity of the surface iron sites toward the species NO_χ formed by NO oxidation and therefore the reactivity is shifted to higher temperatures.