CO/FTIR Spectroscopic Characterization of Pd/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalysts for Methanol Steam Reforming

Interplay of Support Chemistry and Reaction Conditions on Copper Catalyzed Methanol Steam Reforming

A series of Cu catalysts supported on SiO₂, Al₂O₃-SiO₂, TiO₂ rutile, and Cu/TiO₂ anatase metal oxides has been studied for methanol reforming in the vapor phase. The highest activity was obtained on Cu/SiO₂ catalysts (5493 μmol H₂ min^-1·g_cat ^-1) followed by Cu/TiO₂ rutile, Cu/Al₂O₃-SiO₂, and anatase. XRD and HRTEM characterization after reaction revealed that on Cu/SiO₂ significant sintering occurred during reaction. In contrast, the particle size growth on Cu/TiO₂ rutile and anatase was less pronounced, which could be associated with the interaction between Cu clusters and TiO₂. Characterization by TGA showed that on Cu/Al₂O₃-SiO₂ the main cause of deactivation was coke deposition.

Catalytic Reforming of Oxygenates: State of the Art and Future Prospects

This Review describes recent advances in the design, synthesis, reactivity, selectivity, structural, and electronic properties of the catalysts for reforming of a variety of oxygenates (e.g., from simple monoalcohols to higher polyols, then to sugars, phenols, and finally complicated mixtures like bio-oil). A comprehensive exploration of the structure-activity relationship in catalytic reforming of oxygenates is carried out, assisted by state-of-the-art characterization techniques and computational tools. Critical emphasis has been given on the mechanisms of these heterogeneous-catalyzed reactions and especially on the nature of the active catalytic sites and reaction pathways. Similarities and differences (reaction mechanisms, design and synthesis of catalysts, as well as catalytic systems) in the reforming process of these oxygenates will also be discussed. A critical overview is then provided regarding the challenges and opportunities for research in this area with a focus on the roles that systems of heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, and materials science can play in the near future. This Review aims to present insights into the intrinsic mechanism involved in catalytic reforming and provides guidance to the development of novel catalysts and processes for the efficient utilization of oxygenates for energy and environmental purposes.

Structural evolution of an intermetallic Pd–Zn catalyst selective for propane dehydrogenation

Formation of PdZn intermetallic nanoalloys selective for propane dehydrogenation tracked using in situ synchrotron XRD.

PdZn based catalysts: connecting electronic and geometric structure with catalytic performance

In the recent years, the potential of PdZn intermetallic compounds and related compositions for improving and consequently replacing conventionally used catalysts has been explored for a range of diverse processes, such as selective hydrogenation reactions, methanol synthesis and steam reforming. PdZn has similar electronic properties and reactivity as Cu, a widely used metal catalyst, e.g. Cu is industrially applied in the low temperature water gas shift reaction and methanol synthesis. The higher stability of PdZn makes it an attractive alternative for certain applications. This review will give an overview over selected important potential applications and the correlation of the catalytic performance with properties, such as the electronic structure. A broad range of materials from oxide supported nanoparticles to single crystal based model systems is covered.