Efficient hydrogen supply through catalytic dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane over Pt/metal oxide catalysts

This paper describes the results of experiments on dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane over Pt supported on metal oxides (Pt/MO) and Pt supported on perovskite (Pt/Per) catalysts. The reaction is being considered as a means for delivery of hydrogen to fueling stations in the form of more easily transportable methylcyclohexane. Among Pt/MO catalysts, the best activity as determined by the hydrogen evolution rate was observed over Pt/La2O3 catalyst at 21.1 mmol/gmet/min. Perovskite-supported catalysts exhibited relatively higher activity and selectivity, with Pt/La0.7Y0.3NiO3 giving the best performance. This Pt/Per catalyst had an activity of ca 45 mmol/gmet/min with nearly 100% selectivity towards dehydrogenation. The catalysts were characterized using XRD, CO-chemisorption and SEM-EDXA techniques. The present study reports catalysts that minimize the use of Pt and explores tailoring the properties of the perovskite structure.