Glycerol steam reforming on Ru catalysts supported on core-shell metal–ceramic microcomposites developed by a microwave-induced hydrothermal method

• Core–shell metal–ceramic microcomposites were prepared from Al metal particles.
• Microwave-induced hydrothermal oxidation (MW-HTO) in H2O constructed Al2O3@Al.
• MW-HTO in Mg precursor solutions led to the formation of MgAl2O4@Al structures.
• Structures were applied for support of Ru catalysts for glycerol reforming to hydrogen.
• Catalysts exhibited superior catalytic properties due to facilitated heat transport.

Glycerol steam reforming on Ru catalysts supported on core-shell metal–ceramic microcomposites, MgAl2O4@Al and Al2O3@Al consisting of Al metal core encapsulated by high surface area porous metal oxide shell, is studied. The support structures were prepared by microwave-induced hydrothermal surface oxidation (MW-HTO) of Al metal particles at low temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The type and concentration of Mg precursor for MW-HTO had significant effects on morphological and physicochemical properties of the resulting core-shell microstructures. Ru/MgAl2O4@Al and Ru/Al2O3@Al catalysts exhibited 2–3-folds higher glycerol conversion turnover rates than conventional Ru/MgAl2O4 and Ru/Al2O3 counterparts at similar Ru dispersions, most likely due to facilitation of heat transport through these multifunctional catalyst support structures. The structures and properties of the catalysts were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX, N2 adsorption, and CO chemisorption. The core-shell structures were stable for an extended time of glycerol steam reforming reactions (823 K and 24 h), indicating that the metal oxide shells were persistent on the surface and at the metal/oxide interface. These composite structures may provide opportunity for the catalytic reactions requiring high intensity of heat flux such as endothermic fuel reforming for hydrogen production in microreactors for fuel cells.

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