Efficient hydrogen production by ethanol reforming over Rh catalysts. Effect of addition of Zr on CeO2 for the oxidation of CO to CO2

Study of the Kinetics of Reduction of IrO2 on TiO2 (Anatase) by Temperature-Programmed Reduction

The interaction between IrO2 and TiO2 (anatase) in non-isothermal reduction conditions has been studied by the temperature programmed reduction technique. IrO2 clusters are of sizes between 0.5 and 0.9 nm as determined from High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Largely, two main regions for reduction were found and modeled at ca. 100 and 230 °C. The first region is attributed to the partial reduction of IrO2 clusters, while the second one is due to reduction of the formed crystalline (rutile IrO2), during TPR, to Ir metal. Two methods for calculating kinetic parameters were tested. First, by applying different ramping rates on a 3.5 wt.% IrO2/TiO2 using Kissinger’s method. The apparent activation energy values for the first and second reduction regions were found to be ca. 35 and 100 kJ/mol, respectively. The second method was based on fitting different kinetic models for the experimental results in order to extract qualitative information on the nature of interaction during the reduction process. It was found that the first reduction is largely due to the amount of IrO2 (reactant concentration) while the second one involved phase boundary effect as well as nucleation.

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.

Hydrogen Production from Ethanol. Comparing Thermal Catalytic Reactions to Photo-catalytic Reactions

Hydrogen production from renewables such as bio-ethanol is one of the most promising processes for energy carriers in a sustainable way. In this work we review and compare two catalytic systems: one based on thermal activation over bimetallic catalysts (Rh-Pd/CeO2) and the other over photo-excited semiconductor catalysts (Au/TiO2 anatine, rutile and anatase/rutile). It is found that the hydrogen yield is far higher on the thermally activated catalysts (at 773K) when compared to that of the photo-exited catalysts (at room temperature); about 60 times. However, the photo-excited catalysts are a promising way to create a fully sustainable system for future applications if the complete removal of hydrogen atoms from water and ethanol are obtained at room temperature.