Effect of the transition metal oxide supports on hydrogen production from bio-ethanol reforming

We studied the effect of transition metal oxides on hydrogen production from bio-alcohols on a series of Pt catalysts supported on activated carbon, ZrO2, TiO2 and CeO2 nanoparticles. These catalysts were synthesized with incipient wetness impregnation method and were characterized with CO pulse chemisorption, TPR, TPD, TPO, and synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption techniques. The activity of the catalysts for bio-alcohol reforming with steam/carbon ratio of 3/2 was tested using a fixed bed flow reactor system. Transition metal oxide supports affect the hydrogen production activity and selectivity significantly. The results indicate that the active sites for hydrogen production from reforming bio-alcohols are the sites where there exists strong synergistic interaction between Pt and oxygen vacancies in transition metal oxide nanoparticles. This interaction affects the electronic and structural properties of Pt and transition metal oxide nanoparticles. The higher activity and better stability with less coke formation are seen over the catalyst that has stronger Pt and oxygen vacancy interaction and weaker surface acidity. This work provides us insight to prepare a better catalytic system for bio-alcohol reforming process.

Hydrogen production from renewable resources is promising to reduce CO2 emission compared with that from conventional fossil fuels. Transition metal oxide supports significantly affect the hydrogen production activity and coke formation from the bio-alcohol reforming. The active sites are closely related to the strong synergistic interaction between Pt and oxygen vacancies in transition metal oxide nanoparticles. The higher activity and better stability with less coke formation are seen over the catalyst that has stronger Pt and oxygen vacancy interaction and weaker surface acidity.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (103 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Transition metal oxide support effect on H2 production activity and coke formation from the bio-alcohol reforming.
► Strong synergistic interaction between Pt and oxygen vacancies in transition metal oxide nanoparticles.
► The higher activity and better stability with less coke formation with stronger Pt and oxygen vacancy interaction and weaker surface acidity.