Zone-coated Rh-based monolithic catalyst for autothermal reforming of diesel

▶ The zone-coated monolithic catalyst, covered with the two washcoats Rh1.0Pt1.0-Ce10La5.0/δ-Al2O3 and Rh3.0-Ce10La10/δ-Al2O3, respectively, was found to be most active for ATR of commercial low-sulfur and Fischer-Tropsch diesel both during bench-scale and industrial-scale operations. ▶ XRD, H2-TPR and XPS analyses made on Rh1.0Pt1.0-Ce10La5.0/δ-Al2O3 and Rh3.0-Ce10La10/δ-Al2O3, showed the presence of dispersed lanthanum cerium oxides (CeO2), metallic platinum and rhodium oxides in the washcoats. ▶ XPS analysis made on the aged zoned catalyst showed clear evidence of initial partial oxidation followed by steam reforming occurring in situ. The analysis also showed the presence of C1-species in the first washcoat (Rh1.0Pt1.0-Ce10La5.0/δ-Al2O3) and severe sintering and migration of the active metal particles. These effects and mechanisms were less prominent in the second washcoat layer (Rh3.0-Ce10La10/δ-Al2O3) of the catalyst.