Sample records for catalyst support obtained

  1. The effect of activated carbon support surface modification on characteristics of carbon nanospheres prepared by deposition precipitation of Fe-catalyst

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kristianto, H.; Arie, A. A.; Susanti, R. F.; Halim, M.; Lee, J. K.

    2016-11-01

    In this study the effect of activated carbon support modification to synthesis of CNSs was observed. Modification of activated carbon was done by using nitric acid. The effect of modification was analyzed from its FTIR spectra. The Fe catalysts were deposited on to the support by using urea deposition precipitation method at various initial catalysts concentration. CNSs was synthesized by utilizing cooking palm oil as renewable carbon source, and pyrolized at 700°C for 1 hour under nitrogen atmosphere. The products obtained then analyzed using SEM-EDS, TEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The modification of activated carbon support had increased the oxygen functional group. This increase resulted on increase of metal catalysts deposited on activated carbon surface. Peak of C (100) was observed, while ID/IG of samples were obtained around 0.9, which is commonly obtained for CNSs. High catalysts loading on modified activated carbon support caused decomposition of CNSs and formation carbon onion.

  2. Synthesis and Characterization of Polyethylene/Starch Nanocomposites: A Spherical Starch-Supported Catalyst and In Situ Ethylene Polymerization.

    PubMed

    Zhanga, Hao; Xi, Shixia; Wang, Shuwei; Liu, Jingsheng; Yoon, Keun-Byoung; Lee, Dong-Ho; Zhang, Hexin; Zhang, Xuequan

    2017-01-01

    In the present article, a novel spherical starch-supported vanadium (V)-based Ziegler-Natta catalyst was synthesized. The active centers of the obtained catalyst well dispersed in the starch through the SEM-EDX analysis. The effects of reaction conditions on ethylene polymerization were studied. The synthesized catalyst exhibited high activity toward ethylene polymerization in the presence of ethylaluminium sesquichloride (EASC) cocatalyst. Interestingly, the fiber shape PE was obtained directly during the polymerization process.

  3. Methanol-Tolerant Platinum-Palladium Catalyst Supported on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanofiber for High Concentration Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Jiyoung; Jang, Jin-Sung; Peck, Dong-Hyun; Lee, Byungrok; Yoon, Seong-Ho; Jung, Doo-Hwan

    2016-01-01

    Pt-Pd catalyst supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber (N-CNF) was prepared and evaluated as a cathode electrode of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The N-CNF, which was directly synthesized by the catalytic chemical vapor deposition from acetonitrile at 640 °C, was verified as having a change of electrochemical surface properties such as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities and the electrochemical double layer compared with common carbon black (CB). To attain the competitive oxygen reduction reaction activity with methanol tolerance, the Pt and Pd metals were supported on the CB or the N-CNF. The physical and electrochemical characteristics of the N-CNF–supported Pt-Pd catalyst were examined and compared with catalyst supported on the CB. In addition, DMFC single cells using these catalysts as the cathode electrode were applied to obtain I-V polarization curves and constant current operating performances with high-concentration methanol as the fuel. Pt-Pd catalysts had obvious ORR activity even in the presence of methanol. The higher power density was obtained at all the methanol concentrations when it applied to the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of the DMFC. When the N-CNF is used as the catalyst support material, a better performance with high-concentration methanol is expected. PMID:28335275

  4. Methanol-Tolerant Platinum-Palladium Catalyst Supported on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanofiber for High Concentration Direct Methanol Fuel Cells.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jiyoung; Jang, Jin-Sung; Peck, Dong-Hyun; Lee, Byungrok; Yoon, Seong-Ho; Jung, Doo-Hwan

    2016-08-15

    Pt-Pd catalyst supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber (N-CNF) was prepared and evaluated as a cathode electrode of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The N-CNF, which was directly synthesized by the catalytic chemical vapor deposition from acetonitrile at 640 °C, was verified as having a change of electrochemical surface properties such as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities and the electrochemical double layer compared with common carbon black (CB). To attain the competitive oxygen reduction reaction activity with methanol tolerance, the Pt and Pd metals were supported on the CB or the N-CNF. The physical and electrochemical characteristics of the N-CNF-supported Pt-Pd catalyst were examined and compared with catalyst supported on the CB. In addition, DMFC single cells using these catalysts as the cathode electrode were applied to obtain I-V polarization curves and constant current operating performances with high-concentration methanol as the fuel. Pt-Pd catalysts had obvious ORR activity even in the presence of methanol. The higher power density was obtained at all the methanol concentrations when it applied to the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of the DMFC. When the N-CNF is used as the catalyst support material, a better performance with high-concentration methanol is expected.

  5. Supported molten-metal catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Datta, Ravindra; Singh, Ajeet; Halasz, Istvan; Serban, Manuela

    2001-01-01

    An entirely new class of catalysts called supported molten-metal catalysts, SMMC, which can replace some of the existing precious metal catalysts used in the production of fuels, commodity chemicals, and fine chemicals, as well as in combating pollution. SMMC are based on supporting ultra-thin films or micro-droplets of the relatively low-melting (<600.degree. C.), inexpensive, and abundant metals and semimetals from groups 1, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, of the periodic table, or their alloys and intermetallic compounds, on porous refractory supports, much like supported microcrystallites of the traditional solid metal catalysts. It thus provides orders of magnitude higher surface area than is obtainable in conventional reactors containing molten metals in pool form and also avoids corrosion. These have so far been the chief stumbling blocks in the application of molten metal catalysts.

  6. Engineering catalytic activity via ion beam bombardment of catalyst supports for vertically aligned carbon nanotube growth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Islam, A. E.; Nikolaev, P.; Amama, P. B.; Zakharov, D.; Sargent, G.; Saber, S.; Huffman, D.; Erford, M.; Semiatin, S. L.; Stach, E. A.; Maruyama, B.

    2015-09-01

    Carbon nanotube growth depends on the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles on alumina or silica supports. The control on catalytic activity is generally achieved by variations in water concentration, carbon feed, and sample placement on a few types of alumina or silica catalyst supports obtained via thin film deposition. We have recently expanded the choice of catalyst supports by engineering inactive substrates like c-cut sapphire via ion beam bombardment. The deterministic control on the structure and chemistry of catalyst supports obtained by tuning the degree of beam-induced damage have enabled better regulation of the activity of Fe catalysts only in the ion beam bombarded areas and hence enabled controllable super growth of carbon nanotubes. A wide range of surface characterization techniques were used to monitor the catalytically active surface engineered via ion beam bombardment. The proposed method offers a versatile way to control carbon nanotube growth in patterned areas and also enhances the current understanding of the growth process. With the right choice of water concentration, carbon feed and sample placement, engineered catalyst supports may extend the carbon nanotube growth yield to a level that is even higher than the ones reported here, and thus offers promising applications of carbon nanotubes in electronics, heat exchanger, and energy storage.

  7. Fly ash zeolite catalyst support for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Campen, Adam

    This dissertation research aimed at evaluating a fly ash zeolite (FAZ) catalyst support for use in heterogeneous catalytic processes. Gas phase Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) over a fixed-bed of the prepared catalyst/FAZ support was identified as an appropriate process for evaluation, by comparison with commercial catalyst supports (silica, alumina, and 13X). Fly ash, obtained from the Wabash River Generating Station, was first characterized using XRD, SEM/EDS, particle size, and nitrogen sorption techniques. Then, a parametric study of a two-step alkali fusion/hydrothermal treatment process for converting fly ash to zeolite frameworks was performed by varying the alkali fusion agent, agent:flyash ratio, fusion temperature, fused ash/water solution, aging time, and crystallization time. The optimal conditions for each were determined to be NaOH, 1.4 g NaOH: 1 g fly ash, 550 °C, 200 g/L, 12 hours, and 48 hours. This robust process was applied to the fly ash to obtain a faujasitic zeolite structure with increased crystallinity (40 %) and surface area (434 m2/g). Following the modification of fly ash to FAZ, ion exchange of H+ for Na+ and cobalt incipient wetness impregnation were used to prepare a FTS catalyst. FTS was performed on the catalysts at 250--300 °C, 300 psi, and with a syngas ratio H2:CO = 2. The HFAZ catalyst support loaded with 11 wt% cobalt resulted in a 75 % carbon selectivity for C5 -- C18 hydrocarbons, while methane and carbon dioxide were limited to 13 and 1 %, respectively. Catalyst characterization was performed by XRD, N2 sorption, TPR, and oxygen pulse titration to provide insight to the behavior of each catalyst. Overall, the HFAZ compared well with silica and 13X supports, and far exceeded the performance of the alumina support under the tested conditions. The successful completion of this research could add value to an underutilized waste product of coal combustion, in the form of catalyst supports in heterogeneous catalytic processes.

  8. Impact of support calcination and competitive adsorbate in Fe/Mo-Al2O3 catalyst for synthesis of carbon nanotubes by V-flame

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Ya-Ping; Sun, Bao-Min; Zhai, Gang; Guo, Yong-Hong; Jia, Xiao-Wei; Kang, Zhi-Zhong

    2018-05-01

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized via carbon monoxide decomposition with aid of various Fe/Mo-Al2O3 catalysts by V-type flame method. The influences of support calcination and competitive adsorbates on the morphology and properties of CNTs were studied. SEM, HRTEM, TPO and Raman spectroscopy were applied to investigate the morphology and microstructure of CNT products. XRD, H2-TPR were employed to characterize catalysts. The obtained results indicate that calcinated support can increase production and promote the formation of CNTs with small diameter. Utilizing citric acid as a competitive adsorbate is successful in improving the quality of CNTs. Besides, the addition of citric acid and calcinated support in catalyst enhances the catalytic growth activity. The obtained CNTs have a diameter around 4–6 nm within a narrow diameter distribution range. Raman spectrum analysis also illustrates that highly graphitized CNTs are produced on the catalyst with calcinated support and citric acid. These results suggest that support calcination and competitive adsorbate have pronounced effect on the average diameter, diameter distribution, and graphitization of CNTs, which provides a simple and effective way to tune the properties of CNTs.

  9. Characteristics of polyaniline cobalt supported catalysts for epoxidation reactions.

    PubMed

    Kowalski, Grzegorz; Pielichowski, Jan; Grzesik, Mirosław

    2014-01-01

    A study of polyaniline (PANI) doping with various cobalt compounds, that is, cobalt(II) chloride, cobalt(II) acetate, and cobalt(II) salen, is presented. The catalysts were prepared by depositing cobalt compounds onto the polymer surface. PANI powders containing cobalt ions were obtained by one- or two-step method suspending PANI in the following acetonitrile/acetic acid solution or acetonitrile and then acetic acid solution. Moreover different ratios of Co(II) : PANI were studied. Catalysts obtained with both methods and at all ratios were investigated using various techniques including AAS and XPS spectroscopy. The optimum conditions for preparation of PANI/Co catalysts were established. Catalytic activity of polyaniline cobalt(II) supported catalysts was tested in dec-1-ene epoxidation with molecular oxygen at room temperature. The relationship between the amount of cobalt species, measured with both AAS and XPS techniques, and the activity of PANI-Co catalysts has been established.

  10. Characteristics of Polyaniline Cobalt Supported Catalysts for Epoxidation Reactions

    PubMed Central

    Kowalski, Grzegorz; Pielichowski, Jan; Grzesik, Mirosław

    2014-01-01

    A study of polyaniline (PANI) doping with various cobalt compounds, that is, cobalt(II) chloride, cobalt(II) acetate, and cobalt(II) salen, is presented. The catalysts were prepared by depositing cobalt compounds onto the polymer surface. PANI powders containing cobalt ions were obtained by one- or two-step method suspending PANI in the following acetonitrile/acetic acid solution or acetonitrile and then acetic acid solution. Moreover different ratios of Co(II) : PANI were studied. Catalysts obtained with both methods and at all ratios were investigated using various techniques including AAS and XPS spectroscopy. The optimum conditions for preparation of PANI/Co catalysts were established. Catalytic activity of polyaniline cobalt(II) supported catalysts was tested in dec-1-ene epoxidation with molecular oxygen at room temperature. The relationship between the amount of cobalt species, measured with both AAS and XPS techniques, and the activity of PANI-Co catalysts has been established. PMID:24701183

  11. Oxidation of CO and Methanol on Pd-Ni Catalysts Supported on Different Chemically-Treated Carbon Nanofibers

    PubMed Central

    Calderón, Juan Carlos; Rios Ráfales, Miguel; Nieto-Monge, María Jesús; Pardo, Juan Ignacio; Moliner, Rafael; Lázaro, María Jesús

    2016-01-01

    In this work, palladium-nickel nanoparticles supported on carbon nanofibers were synthesized, with metal contents close to 25 wt % and Pd:Ni atomic ratios near to 1:2. These catalysts were previously studied in order to determine their activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction. Before the deposition of metals, the carbon nanofibers were chemically treated in order to generate oxygen and nitrogen groups on their surface. Transmission electron microscopy analysis (TEM) images revealed particle diameters between 3 and 4 nm, overcoming the sizes observed for the nanoparticles supported on carbon black (catalyst Pd-Ni CB 1:2). From the CO oxidation at different temperatures, the activation energy Eact for this reaction was determined. These values indicated a high tolerance of the catalysts toward the CO poisoning, especially in the case of the catalysts supported on the non-chemically treated carbon nanofibers. On the other hand, apparent activation energy Eap for the methanol oxidation was also determined finding—as a rate determining step—the COads diffusion to the OHads for the catalysts supported on carbon nanofibers. The results here presented showed that the surface functional groups only play a role in the obtaining of lower particle sizes, which is an important factor in the obtaining of low CO oxidation activation energies. PMID:28335315

  12. Catalysis on Mo(CO)/sub 6/-derived supported molybdenum catalysts: CO oxidation with N/sub 2/O

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kazusaka, A.; Howe, R.F.

    1988-05-01

    The catalytic nature of Mo(CO)/sub 6/ supported on ..gamma..-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, KOH-doped ..gamma..-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and HY-zeolite was investigated in CO oxidation with N/sub 2/O in comparison with that of a conventional partially reduced MoO/sub 3//..gamma..-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalyst. Kinetic parameters of this reaction were obtained in the range 0 to 100/sup 0/C; the rate law r = kP/sub N/sub 2/O//sup 1/P/sub CO//sup 0/ was found on all catalysts, and the activation energy was estimated to be 9.1 kcal/mol on the Mo(CO)/sub 6/-derived catalysts and 7.1 kcal/mol on the partially reduced MoO/sub 3//..gamma..-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalyst. Maximum catalytic activities weremore » obtained by activating the Mo(CO)/sub 6/-derived catalysts at 400/sup 0/C. To obtain similar activity on the MoO/sub 3//..gamma..-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalyst, it was necessary to reduce at 600/sup 0/C. The former catalysts were deactivated on repeating the reaction. On the basis of these results and those of ESR studies through the activation or deactivation process, an active site on the Mo(CO)/sub 6/-derived catalysts has been proposed. Also, clear IR absorption bands due to chemisorbed CO and N/sub 2/O species were observed on the HY-zeolite-supported catalysts. A reaction mechanism is proposed from the kinetic and IR spectroscopic results.« less

  13. Engineering catalytic activity via ion beam bombardment of catalyst supports for vertically aligned carbon nanotube growth

    DOE PAGES

    Islam, A. E.; Zakharov, D.; Stach, E. A.; ...

    2015-09-16

    Carbon nanotube growth depends on the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles on alumina or silica supports. The control on catalytic activity is generally achieved by variations in water concentration, carbon feed, and sample placement on a few types of alumina or silica catalyst supports obtained via thin film deposition. We have recently expanded the choice of catalyst supports by engineering inactive substrates like c-cut sapphire via ion beam bombardment. The deterministic control on the structure and chemistry of catalyst supports obtained by tuning the degree of beam-induced damage have enabled better regulation of the activity of Fe catalysts only inmore » the ion beam bombarded areas and hence enabled controllable super growth of carbon nanotubes. A wide range of surface characterization techniques were used to monitor the catalytically active surface engineered via ion beam bombardment. The proposed method offers a versatile way to control carbon nanotube growth in patterned areas and also enhances the current understanding of the growth process. As a result, with the right choice of water concentration, carbon feed and sample placement, engineered catalyst supports may extend the carbon nanotube growth yield to a level that is even higher than the ones reported here, and thus offers promising applications of carbon nanotubes in electronics, heat exchanger, and energy storage.« less

  14. Pd nanoparticles Supported on Cellulose as a catalyst for vanillin conversion in aqueous media.

    PubMed

    Li, Dan-Dan; Zhang, Jia-Wei; Cai, Chun

    2018-05-17

    Palladium nanoparticles were firstly anchored on modified biopolymer as an efficient catalyst for biofuel upgradation. Fluorinated compounds was grafted onto cellulose to obtain amphiphilic supports for on water reactions. Pd catalyst was prepared by straightforward deposition of metal nanoparticles on modified cellulose. The catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity and selectivity in hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin (a typical model compound of lignin) to 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol under atmospheric hydrogen pressure in neat water without any other additives under mild conditions.

  15. The role of support morphology on the performance of Cu/ZnO-catalyst for hydrogenation of CO{sub 2} to methanol

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tasfy, Sara Faiz Hanna, E-mail: miss25208@gmail.com; Zabidi, Noor Asmawati Mohd, E-mail: noorasmawati-mzabidi@petronas.com.my; Shaharun, Maizatul Shima, E-mail: maizats@petronas.com.my

    The effects of SBA-15 support morphology on the activity of Cu/ZnO catalyst in the hydrogenation of CO{sub 2} to methanol was investigated. In the hydrogenation of CO{sub 2} to methanol at 210°C, 2.25 MPa, H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} ratio of three remarkable difference was obtained using Cu/ZnO catalyst supported on SBA-15 with different morphology. The catalysts were characterized using N{sub 2}-adsorption, field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). Characterization of the catalyst showed that support morphology, surface area, metals dispersion, and reducibility influenced the catalytic performance. On the fiber-shaped SBA-15, copper dispersion was 29 % whereasmore » on the spherical-shaped SBA-15, the dispersion was 20 %. The experimental results showed that the catalyst supported over fiber-shaped SBA-15 exhibit higher CO{sub 2} conversion (13.96 %) and methanol selectivity (91.32 %) compare to catalyst supported over spherical-shaped SBA-15.« less

  16. Zircon Supported Copper Catalysts for the Steam Reforming of Methanol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Widiastri, M.; Fendy, Marsih, I. N.

    2008-03-01

    Steam reforming of methanol (SRM) is known as one of the most favorable catalytic processes for producing hydrogen. Current research on zirconia, ZrO2 supported copper catalyst revealed that CuO/ZrO2 as an active catalyst for the SRM. Zircon, ZrSiO4 is available from the by-product of tin mining. In the work presented here, the catalytic properties of CuO/ZrSiO4 with various copper oxide compositions ranging from 2.70% (catalyst I), 4.12% (catalyst II), and 7.12%-mass (catalyst III), synthesized by an incipient wetness impregnation technique, were investigated to methanol conversion, selectivity towards CO formation, and effect of ZnO addition (7.83%CuO/8.01%ZnO/ZrSiO4 = catalyst V). The catalytic activity was obtained using a fixed bed reactor and the zircon supported catalyst activity was compared to those of CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst (catalyst IV) and commercial Kujang LTSC catalyst. An X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis was done to identify the abundant phases of the catalysts. The catalysts topography and particle diameter were measured with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and composition of the catalysts was measured by SEM-EDX, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive using X-ray analysis. The results of this research provide information on the possibility of using zircon (ZrSiO4) as solid support for SRM catalysts.

  17. A novel method for synthesis of phosphomolybdic acid-modified Pd/C catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Mingyuan; Gao, Xiaoling; Luo, Guangqin; Dai, Bin

    2013-03-01

    This manuscript reports a convenient method for immobilizing phosphomolybdic acid (HPMo) on polyaniline (PAN-) functionalized carbon supports. The obtained HPMo-PAN-C sample is used as the support to prepare a Pd/HPMo-PAN-C catalyst. The samples are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results suggest that HPMo retains its Keggin structure and that the presence of HPMo reduces the average particle size of the Pd nano-particles in the obtained Pd/HPMo-PAN-C catalyst. Electro-chemical measurements in 0.5 M HClO4 solution reveal that the Pd/HPMo-PAN-C catalyst has higher catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reactions than does a Pd/C catalyst prepared using a similar procedure. The stability of the Pd/HPMo-PAN-C catalyst is evaluated by multiple-cycle voltammetry techniques; the mass catalytic activity decreases by only 10% after 100 scanning cycles.

  18. Hydrogen production by ethanol steam reforming on Ni/oxide catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lazar, Mihaela D.; Dan, Monica; Mihet, Maria; Borodi, George; Almasan, Valer

    2012-02-01

    Hydrogen production from bio-fuels such as bio-ethanol provides significant environmental benefits since the resulted CO2 is consumed again for biomass growth, offering a carbon dioxide neutral energy source. In the actual conditions of increasing energy demand and atmosphere pollution, clean produced hydrogen can be an alternative option for a clean energy vector. In this paper we present the results obtained in hydrogen production by steam reforming of ethanol using oxide supported nickel catalysts. Although Ni is not the most active catalyst for this process, economically is the most attractive one, due to the high price and low availability of noble metals. Ni was dispersed on several oxides: ZrO2, Al2O3, Cr2O3, SiO2 with a target metal concentration of 8 wt%. using impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized using several techniques: N2 adsorption desorption isotherms to determine total surface area and porosity, XRD to determine oxide crystallinity and Ni crystallite size. Each catalyst was tested in steam reforming of ethanol at temperatures ranging from 150 to 350°C, at atmospheric pressure and a ethanol: steam ratio of 1:9. The best ethanol conversion and catalyst stability was obtained for Ni/Al2O3. The catalyst selectivity for H2 production depends on the support nature. The best H2 selectivity was obtained for Ni/ZrO2 catalyst.

  19. Graphene-Supported Platinum Catalyst-Based Membrane Electrode Assembly for PEM Fuel Cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Devrim, Yilser; Albostan, Ayhan

    2016-08-01

    The aim of this study is the preparation and characterization of a graphene-supported platinum (Pt) catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. The graphene-supported Pt catalysts were prepared by chemical reduction of graphene and chloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6) in ethylene glycol. X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy have been used to analyze structure and surface morphology of the graphene-supported catalyst. The TGA results showed that the Pt loading of the graphene-supported catalyst was 31%. The proof of the Pt particles on the support surfaces was also verified by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis. The commercial carbon-supported catalyst and prepared Pt/graphene catalysts were used as both anode and cathode electrodes for PEMFC at ambient pressure and 70°C. The maximum power density was obtained for the Pt/graphene-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with H2/O2 reactant gases as 0.925 W cm2. The maximum current density of the Pt/graphene-based MEA can reach 1.267 and 0.43 A/cm2 at 0.6 V with H2/O2 and H2/air, respectively. The MEA prepared by the Pt/graphene catalyst shows good stability in long-term PEMFC durability tests. The PEMFC cell voltage was maintained at 0.6 V without apparent voltage drop when operated at 0.43 A/cm2 constant current density and 70°C for 400 h. As a result, PEMFC performance was found to be superlative for the graphene-supported Pt catalyst compared with the Pt/C commercial catalyst. The results indicate the graphene-supported Pt catalyst could be utilized as the electrocatalyst for PEMFC applications.

  20. CO oxidation studies over supported noble metal catalysts and single crystals: A review

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Boecker, Dirk; Gonzalez, Richard D.

    1987-01-01

    The catalytic oxidation of CO over noble metal catalysts is reviewed. Results obtained on supported noble metal catalysts and single crystals both at high pressures and under UHV conditions are compared. The underlying causes which result in surface instabilities and multiple steady-state oscillations are considered, in particular, the occurrence of hot spots. CO islands of reactivity, surface oxide formation and phase transformations under oscillatory conditions are discussed.

  1. Iron oxide/cassava starch-supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts for in situ ethylene polymerization.

    PubMed

    Chancharoenrith, Sittikorn; Kamonsatikul, Choavarit; Namkajorn, Montree; Kiatisevi, Supavadee; Somsook, Ekasith

    2015-03-06

    Iron oxide nanoparticles were used as supporters for in situ polymerization to produce polymer nanocomposites with well-dispersed fillers in polymer matrix. Iron oxide could be sustained as colloidal solutions by cassava starch to produce a good dispersion of iron oxide in the matrix. New supports based on iron oxide/cassava starch or cassava starch for Ziegler-Natta catalysts were utilized as heterogeneous supporters for partially hydrolyzed triethylaluminum. Then, TiCl4 was immobilized on the supports as catalysts for polymerization of ethylene. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were obtained by the synthesized catalysts. A good dispersion of iron oxide/cassava starch particles was observed in the synthesized polymer matrix promoting to good mechanical properties of HDPE. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Design and Preparation of Supported Au Catalyst with Enhanced Catalytic Activities by Rationally Positioning Au Nanoparticles on Anatase.

    PubMed

    Wang, Liang; Wang, Hong; Rice, Andrew E; Zhang, Wei; Li, Xiaokun; Chen, Mingshu; Meng, Xiangju; Lewis, James P; Xiao, Feng-Shou

    2015-06-18

    A synergistic effect between individual components is crucial for increasing the activity of metal/metal oxide catalysts. The greatest challenge is how to control the synergistic effect to obtain enhanced catalytic performance. Through density functional theory calculations of model Au/TiO2 catalysts, it is suggested that there is strong interaction between Au nanoparticles and Ti species at the edge/corner sites of anatase, which is favorable for the formation of stable oxygen vacancies. Motivated by this theoretical analysis, we have rationally prepared Au nanoparticles attached to edge/corner sites of anatase support (Au/TiO2-EC), confirmed by their HR-TEM images. As expected, this strong interaction is well characterized by Raman, UV-visible, and XPS techniques. Very interestingly, compared with conventional Au catalysts, Au/TiO2-EC exhibits superior catalytic activity in the oxidations using O2. Our approach to controlling Au nanoparticle positioning on anatase to obtain enhanced catalytic activity offers an efficient strategy for developing more novel supported metal catalysts.

  3. Graphene supported heterogeneous catalysts for Li-O2 batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alaf, M.; Tocoglu, U.; Kartal, M.; Akbulut, H.

    2016-09-01

    In this study production and characterization of free-standing and flexible (i) graphene, (ii) α-MnO2/graphene, (iii) Pt/graphene (iv) α-MnO2/Pt/graphene composite cathodes for Li-air batteries were reported. Graphene supported heterogeneous catalysts were produced by a facile method. In order to prevent aggregation of graphene sheets and increase not only interlayer distance but also surface area, a trace amount multi-wall carbon nano tube (MWCNT) was introduced to the composite structure. The obtained composite catalysts were characterized by SEM, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption analyze and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical characterization tests including galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement of catalyst were carried out by using an ECC-Air test cell. These highly active graphene supported heterogeneous composite catalysts provide competitive properties relative to other catalyst materials for Li-air batteries.

  4. Insights into the effect of the catalytic functions on selective production of ethylene glycol from lignocellulosic biomass over carbon supported ruthenium and tungsten catalysts.

    PubMed

    Ribeiro, Lucília Sousa; Órfão, José J Melo; Pereira, Manuel Fernando Ribeiro

    2018-05-09

    The one-pot conversion of cellulose to ethylene glycol (EG) was investigated using a combination of a ruthenium catalyst supported on carbon nanotubes modified with nitric acid (Ru/CNT 1 ) and a tungsten catalyst supported on commercial non-treated carbon nanotubes (W/CNT 0 ). This physical mixture allowed to obtain an EG yield of 41% in just 5 h at 205 °C and 50 bar of H 2 , which overcame the result obtained using a Ru-W bimetallic catalyst supported on commercial carbon nanotubes (35%) under the same conditions. Tissue paper, a potential waste cellulosic material, and eucalyptus were also tested under the same conditions and EG yields of 34 and 36%, respectively, were attained over the aforementioned catalytic physical mixture. To the best of our knowledge, this work presents for the first time the catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic materials, namely tissue paper and eucalyptus, directly into EG by an environmentally friendly process. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Preparation, characterization, and activity of α-Ti(HPO4)2 supported metallocene catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Yasai; Yuan, Yuan; Xu, Qinghong; Yi, Jianjun

    2016-10-01

    A series of heterogeneous catalysts by loading metallocenes on surface of α-Ti(HPO4)2, a kind of solid acid, has been synthesized. Polymerization of alkenes, including ethylene and propylene, based on participation of the heterogeneous catalysts were studied and the results were compared to metallocenes supported on silica gel, α-Zr(HPO4)2 and clay. Higher catalytic activity, larger polymer molecular weight and narrow distribution of polymer molecular weight were obtained. Acidic strength of the support and its influence to metallocenes were studied to discover intrinsic factors in the polymerizations.

  6. Selective catalysts and their preparation for catalytic hydrocarbon synthesis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Iglesia, E.; Vroman, H.; Soled, S.

    1991-07-30

    This patent describes a method for preparing a supported cobalt catalyst particle. It comprises contacting a support particle with a molten cobalt salt, for a period sufficient to impregnate substantially all of the molten cobalt salt on the support to a depth of less than about 200 {mu}m; drying the supported cobalt salt obtained; reducing the cobalt of the supported cobalt salt to metallic cobalt by heating the salt in the presence of H{sub 2}, wherein the heating is conducted at a rate of less than about 1{degrees} C./min. up to a maximum temperature ranging from about 100{degrees} C. tomore » about 500{degrees} C., to produce a supported cobalt catalyst particle.« less

  7. Bimetallic catalysts for continuous catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol.

    PubMed

    Fortuny, A; Bengoa, C; Font, J; Fabregat, A

    1999-01-29

    Catalytic wet oxidation has proved to be effective at eliminating hazardous organic compounds, such as phenol, from waste waters. However, the lack of active long-life oxidation catalysts which can perform in aqueous phase is its main drawback. This study explores the ability of bimetallic supported catalysts to oxidize aqueous phenol solutions using air as oxidant. Combinations of 2% of CoO, Fe2O3, MnO or ZnO with 10% CuO were supported on gamma-alumina by pore filling, calcined and later tested. The oxidation was carried out in a packed bed reactor operating in trickle flow regime at 140 degrees C and 900 kPa of oxygen partial pressure. Lifetime tests were conducted for 8 days. The pH of the feed solution was also varied. The results show that all the catalysts tested undergo severe deactivation during the first 2 days of operation. Later, the catalysts present steady activity until the end of the test. The highest residual phenol conversion was obtained for the ZnO-CuO, which was significantly higher than that obtained with the 10% CuO catalyst used as reference. The catalyst deactivation is related to the dissolution of the metal oxides from the catalyst surface due to the acidic reaction conditions. Generally, the performance of the catalysts was better when the pH of the feed solution was increased.

  8. Steam reforming of n-hexane on pellet and monolithic catalyst beds. A comparative study on improvements due to heat transfer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1981-01-01

    Monolithic catalysts with higher available active surface areas and better thermal conductivity than conventional pellets beds, making possible the steam reforming of fuels heavier than naphtha, were examined. Performance comparisons were made between conventional pellet beds and honeycomb monolith catalysts using n-hexane as the fuel. Metal-supported monoliths were examined. These offer higher structural stability and higher thermal conductivity than ceramic supports. Data from two metal monoliths of different nickel catalyst loadings were compared to pellets under the same operating conditions. Improved heat transfer and better conversion efficiencies were obtained with the monolith having higher catalyst loading. Surface-gas interaction was observed throughout the length of the monoliths.

  9. A comparative study of CeO2-Al2O3 support prepared with different methods and its application on MoO3/CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst for sulfur-resistant methanation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Minhong; Wang, Baowei; Yao, Yuqin; Li, Zhenhua; Ma, Xinbin; Qin, Shaodong; Sun, Qi

    2013-11-01

    The CeO2-Al2O3 supports prepared with impregnation (IM), deposition precipitation (DP), and solution combustion (SC) methods for MoO3/CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst were investigated in the sulfur-resistant methanation. The supports and catalysts were characterized by N2-physisorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The N2-physisorption results indicated that the DP method was favorable for obtaining better textural properties. The TEM and RS results suggested that there is a CeO2 layer on the surface of the support prepared with DP method. This CeO2 layer not only prevented the interaction between MoO3 and γ-Al2O3 to form Al2(MoO4)3 species, but also improved the dispersion of MoO3 in the catalyst. Accordingly, the catalysts whose supports were prepared with DP method exhibited the best catalytic activity. The catalysts whose supports were prepared with SC method had the worst catalytic activity. This was caused by the formation of Al2(MoO4)3 and crystalline MoO3. Additionally, the CeO2 layer resulted in the instability of catalysts in reaction process. The increasing of calcination temperature of supports reduced the catalytic activity of all catalysts. The decrease extent of the catalysts whose supports were prepared with DP method was the lowest as the CeO2 layer prevented the interaction between MoO3 and γ-Al2O3.

  10. Enhanced catalyst stability for cyclic co methanation operations

    DOEpatents

    Risch, Alan P.; Rabo, Jule A.

    1983-01-01

    Carbon monoxide-containing gas streams are passed over a catalyst to deposit a surface layer of active surface carbon thereon essentially without the formation of inactive coke. The active carbon is thereafter reacted with steam or hydrogen to form methane. Enhanced catalyst stability for long term, cyclic operation is obtained by the incorporation of an alkali or alkaline earth dopant in a silica binding agent added to the catalyst-support additive composition.

  11. A new chitosan Schiff base supported Pd(II) complex for microwave-assisted synthesis of biaryls compounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baran, Talat

    2017-08-01

    In this study, a new heterogeneous palladium (II) catalyst that contains O-carboxymethyl chitosan Schiff base has been designed for Suzuki coupling reactions. The chemical structures of the synthesized catalyst were characterized with the FTIR, TG/DTG, ICP-OES, SEM/EDAX, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, GC/MS, XRD, and magnetic moment techniques. The reusability and catalytic behavior of heterogeneous catalyst was tested towards Suzuki reactions. As a result of the tests, excellent selectivity was obtained, and by-products of homo coupling were not seen in the spectra. The biaryls products were identified on a GC/MS. In addition, it was determined in the reusability tests that the catalysts could be used several times (seven runs). More importantly, with very low catalyst loading (6 × 10-3 mol %) in very short reaction time (5 min), chitosan Schiff base supported Pd(II) complex gave high TON and TOF values. These findings showed that Schiff base supported Pd(II) catalyst is suitable for Suzuki cross coupling reactions.

  12. Metaloxide--ZrO2 catalysts for the esterification and transesterification of free fatty acids and triglycerides to obtain bio-diesel

    DOEpatents

    Kim, Manhoe; Salley, Steven O.; Ng, K. Y. Simon

    2016-09-06

    Mixed metal oxide catalysts (ZnO, CeO, La2O3, NiO, Al203, SiO2, TiO2, Nd2O3, Yb2O3, or any combination of these) supported on zirconia (ZrO2) or hydrous zirconia are provided. These mixed metal oxide catalysts can be prepared via coprecipitation, impregnation, or sol-gel methods from metal salt precursors with/without a Zirconium salt precursor. Metal oxides/ZrO2 catalyzes both esterification and transesterification of oil containing free fatty acids in one batch or in single stage. In particular, these mixed metal oxides supported or added on zirconium oxide exhibit good activity and selectivity for esterification and transesterification. The low acid strength of this catalyst can avoid undesirable side reaction such as alcohol dehydration or cracking of fatty acids. Metal oxides/ZrO2 catalysts are not sensitive to any water generated from esterification. Thus, esterification does not require a water free condition or the presence of excess methanol to occur when using the mixed metal oxide catalyst. The FAME yield obtained with metal oxides/ZrO2 is higher than that obtained with homogeneous sulfuric acid catalyst. Metal oxides/ZrO2 catalasts can be prepared as strong pellets and in various shapes for use directly in a flow reactor. Furthermore, the pellet has a strong resistance toward dissolution to aqueous or oil phases.

  13. Direct synthesis of few-layer graphene supported platinum nanocatalyst for methanol oxidation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tan, Hong; Ma, Xiaohui; Sheng, Leimei; An, Kang; Yu, Liming; Zhao, Hongbin; Xu, Jiaqiang; Ren, Wei; Zhao, Xinluo

    2014-11-01

    High-crystalline few-layer graphene supported Pt nanoparticles have been synthesized by arc discharge evaporation of carbon electrodes containing Pt element. A high-temperature treatment under hydrogen atmosphere has been carried out to obtain a new type of Pt/graphene catalyst for methanol oxidation in direct methanol fuel cell. The morphology and structure characterizations of as-grown few-layer graphene supported Pt nanoparticles and Pt/graphene catalysts have been studied by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammograms and chronoamperometric curves show that our present Pt/graphene catalysts have larger current density for methanol oxidation, higher tolerance to carbon monoxide poisoning, and better stability during the operating procedure, compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts.

  14. Influences of synthesis methods and modifier addition on the properties of Ni-based catalysts supported on reticulated ceramic foams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nikolić, Vesna; Kamberović, Željko; Anđić, Zoran; Korać, Marija; Sokić, Miroslav; Maksimović, Vesna

    2014-08-01

    A method of synthesizing Ni-based catalysts supported on α-Al2O3-based foams was developed. The foams were impregnated with aqueous solutions of metal chlorides under an air atmosphere using an aerosol route. Separate procedures involved calcination to form oxides and drying to obtain chlorides on the foam surface. The synthesized samples were subsequently reduced with hydrogen. With respect to the Ni/Al2O3 catalysts, the chloride reduction route enabled the formation of a Ni coating without agglomerates or cracks. Further research included catalyst modification by the addition of Pd, Cu, and Fe. The influences of the additives on the degree of reduction and on the low-temperature reduction effectiveness (533 and 633 K) were examined and compared for the catalysts obtained from oxides and chlorides. Greater degrees of reduction were achieved with chlorides, whereas Pd was the most effective modifier among those investigated. The reduction process was nearly complete at 533 K in the sample that contained 0.1wt% Pd. A lower reduction temperature was utilized, and the calcination step was avoided, which may enhance the economical and technological aspects of the developed catalyst production method.

  15. An efficient protocol for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives at room temperature using recyclable alumina-supported heteropolyoxometalates.

    PubMed

    Ruiz, Diego M; Autino, Juan C; Quaranta, Nancy; Vázquez, Patricia G; Romanelli, Gustavo P

    2012-01-01

    We report a suitable quinoxaline synthesis using molybdophosphovanadates supported on commercial alumina cylinders as catalysts. These catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation. The catalytic test was performed under different reaction conditions in order to know the performance of the synthesized catalysts. The method shows high yields of quinoxaline derivatives under heterogeneous conditions. Quinoxaline formation was obtained using benzyl, o-phenylenediamine, and toluene as reaction solvent at room temperature. The CuH(2)PMo(11)VO(40) supported on alumina showed higher activity in the tested reaction. Finally, various quinoxalines were prepared under mild conditions and with excellent yields.

  16. Nitrogen-based catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO.

    PubMed

    Tornow, Claire E; Thorson, Michael R; Ma, Sichao; Gewirth, Andrew A; Kenis, Paul J A

    2012-12-05

    The synthesis and application of carbon-supported, nitrogen-based organometallic silver catalysts for the reduction of CO(2) is studied using an electrochemical flow reactor. Their performance toward the selective formation of CO is similar to the performance achieved when using Ag as the catalyst, but comparatively at much lower silver loading. Faradaic efficiencies of the organometallic catalyst are higher than 90%, which are comparable to those of Ag. Furthermore, with the addition of an amine ligand to Ag/C, the partial current density for CO increases significantly, suggesting a possible co-catalyst mechanism. Additional improvements in activity and selectivity may be achieved as greater insight is obtained on the mechanism of CO(2) reduction and on how these complexes assemble on the carbon support.

  17. Selective hydrogenation of amides to alcohols in water solvent over a heterogeneous CeO2-supported Ru catalyst.

    PubMed

    Tamura, Masazumi; Ishikawa, Susumu; Betchaku, Mii; Nakagawa, Yoshinao; Tomishige, Keiichi

    2018-06-20

    CeO2-supported Ru (Ru/CeO2) worked as an effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the selective dissociation of the C-N bond in amides, particularly primary amides, with H2 in water solvent at low reaction temperature of 333 K, and high yields of the corresponding alcohols were obtained from primary amides.

  18. Production of carbon nanotubes: Chemical vapor deposition synthesis from liquefied petroleum gas over Fe-Co-Mo tri-metallic catalyst supported on MgO

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Setyopratomo, P.; Wulan, Praswasti P. D. K.; Sudibandriyo, M.

    2016-06-01

    Carbon nanotubes were produced by chemical vapor deposition method to meet the specifications for hydrogen storage. So far, the various catalyst had been studied outlining their activities, performances, and efficiencies. In this work, tri-metallic catalyst consist of Fe-Co-Mo supported on MgO was used. The catalyst was prepared by wet-impregnation method. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) was used as carbon source. The synthesis was conducted in atmospheric fixed bed reactor at reaction temperature range 750 - 850 °C for 30 minutes. The impregnation method applied in this study successfully deposed metal component on the MgO support surface. It found that the deposited metal components might partially replace Mg(OH)2 or MgO molecules in their crystal lattice. Compare to the original MgO powder; it was significant increases in pore volume and surface area has occurred during catalyst preparation stages. The size of obtained carbon nanotubes is ranging from about 10.83 nm OD/4.09 nm ID up to 21.84 nm OD/6.51 nm ID, which means that multiwall carbon nanotubes were formed during the synthesis. Yield as much as 2.35 g.CNT/g.catalyst was obtained during 30 minutes synthesis and correspond to carbon nanotubes growth rate of 0.2 μm/min. The BET surface area of the obtained carbon nanotubes is 181.13 m2/g and around 50 % of which is contributed by mesopores. Micropore with half pore width less than 1 nm contribute about 10% volume of total micro and mesopores volume of the carbon nanotubes. The existence of these micropores is very important to increase the hydrogen storage capacity of the carbon nanotubes.

  19. Ferric hydroxide supported gold subnano clusters or quantum dots: enhanced catalytic performance in chemoselective hydrogenation.

    PubMed

    Liu, Lequan; Qiao, Botao; Ma, Yubo; Zhang, Juan; Deng, Youquan

    2008-05-21

    An attempt to prepare ferric hydroxide supported Au subnano clusters via modified co-precipitation without any calcination was made. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been employed to study the structure and chemical states of these catalysts. No Au species could be observed in the HRTEM image nor from the XRD pattern, suggesting that the sizes of the Au species in and on the ferric hydroxide support were less than or around 1 nm. Chemoselective hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds and alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes was selected as a probe reaction to examine the catalytic properties of this catalyst. Under the same reaction conditions, such as 100 degrees C and 1 MPa H2 in the hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds, a 96-99% conversion (except for 4-nitrobenzonitrile) with 99% selectivity was obtained over the ferric hydroxide supported Au catalyst, and the TOF values were 2-6 times higher than that of the corresponding ferric oxide supported catalyst with 3-5 nm size Au particles. For further evaluation of this Au catalyst in the hydrogenation of citral and cinnamaldehyde, selectivity towards unsaturated alcohols was 2-20 times higher than that of the corresponding ferric oxide Au catalyst.

  20. On the Preparation and Testing of Fuel Cell Catalysts Using the Thin Film Rotating Disk Electrode Method.

    PubMed

    Inaba, Masanori; Quinson, Jonathan; Bucher, Jan Rudolf; Arenz, Matthias

    2018-03-16

    We present a step-by-step tutorial to prepare proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalysts, consisting of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on a high surface area carbon, and to test their performance in thin film rotating disk electrode (TF-RDE) measurements. The TF-RDE methodology is widely used for catalyst screening; nevertheless, the measured performance sometimes considerably differs among research groups. These uncertainties impede the advancement of new catalyst materials and, consequently, several authors discussed possible best practice methods and the importance of benchmarking. The visual tutorial highlights possible pitfalls in the TF-RDE testing of Pt/C catalysts. A synthesis and testing protocol to assess standard Pt/C catalysts is introduced that can be used together with polycrystalline Pt disks as benchmark catalysts. In particular, this study highlights how the properties of the catalyst film on the glassy carbon (GC) electrode influence the measured performance in TF-RDE testing. To obtain thin, homogeneous catalyst films, not only the catalyst preparation, but also the ink deposition and drying procedures are essential. It is demonstrated that an adjustment of the ink's pH might be necessary, and how simple control measurements can be used to check film quality. Once reproducible TF-RDE measurements are obtained, determining the Pt loading on the catalyst support (expressed as Pt wt%) and the electrochemical surface area is necessary to normalize the determined reaction rates to either surface area or Pt mass. For the surface area determination, so-called CO stripping, or the determination of the hydrogen underpotential deposition (Hupd) charge, are standard. For the determination of the Pt loading, a straightforward and cheap procedure using digestion in aqua regia with subsequent conversion of Pt(IV) to Pt(II) and UV-vis measurements is introduced.

  1. On the Preparation and Testing of Fuel Cell Catalysts Using the Thin Film Rotating Disk Electrode Method

    PubMed Central

    Inaba, Masanori; Quinson, Jonathan; Bucher, Jan Rudolf; Arenz, Matthias

    2018-01-01

    We present a step-by-step tutorial to prepare proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalysts, consisting of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on a high surface area carbon, and to test their performance in thin film rotating disk electrode (TF-RDE) measurements. The TF-RDE methodology is widely used for catalyst screening; nevertheless, the measured performance sometimes considerably differs among research groups. These uncertainties impede the advancement of new catalyst materials and, consequently, several authors discussed possible best practice methods and the importance of benchmarking. The visual tutorial highlights possible pitfalls in the TF-RDE testing of Pt/C catalysts. A synthesis and testing protocol to assess standard Pt/C catalysts is introduced that can be used together with polycrystalline Pt disks as benchmark catalysts. In particular, this study highlights how the properties of the catalyst film on the glassy carbon (GC) electrode influence the measured performance in TF-RDE testing. To obtain thin, homogeneous catalyst films, not only the catalyst preparation, but also the ink deposition and drying procedures are essential. It is demonstrated that an adjustment of the ink's pH might be necessary, and how simple control measurements can be used to check film quality. Once reproducible TF-RDE measurements are obtained, determining the Pt loading on the catalyst support (expressed as Pt wt%) and the electrochemical surface area is necessary to normalize the determined reaction rates to either surface area or Pt mass. For the surface area determination, so-called CO stripping, or the determination of the hydrogen underpotential deposition (Hupd) charge, are standard. For the determination of the Pt loading, a straightforward and cheap procedure using digestion in aqua regia with subsequent conversion of Pt(IV) to Pt(II) and UV-vis measurements is introduced. PMID:29608166

  2. 1. Catalytic asymmetric hydroformylation. 2. Hydroformylation with polymer-supported platinum complexes. 3. The reaction between dicobalt octacarbonyl and alcohols

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bortinger, A.

    1977-01-01

    Chiral polymer-supported metal complexes were catalytically active in the hydroformylation of prochiral olefins, but they induced only small optical activity. All the optical rotations in 2-phenylpropanal, obtained by the hydroformylation of styrene, were positive. In studies of asymmetric hydroformylation with homogeneous catalysts, no correlation was found between the optical inductions and ligand structure. Polymer-supported platinum catalysts having similar structure to their homogeneous counterparts showed the same high selectivity toward the formation of straight-chain aldehyde (89-95%) as the homogeneous catalysts in the hydroformylation of 1-hexene. Aldehyde yields were low (up to 45%); no reduction to alcohol occurred.

  3. Catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons to hydrogen and high-value carbon

    DOEpatents

    Shah, Naresh; Panjala, Devadas; Huffman, Gerald P.

    2005-04-05

    The present invention provides novel catalysts for accomplishing catalytic decomposition of undiluted light hydrocarbons to a hydrogen product, and methods for preparing such catalysts. In one aspect, a method is provided for preparing a catalyst by admixing an aqueous solution of an iron salt, at least one additional catalyst metal salt, and a suitable oxide substrate support, and precipitating metal oxyhydroxides onto the substrate support. An incipient wetness method, comprising addition of aqueous solutions of metal salts to a dry oxide substrate support, extruding the resulting paste to pellet form, and calcining the pellets in air is also discloses. In yet another aspect, a process is provided for producing hydrogen from an undiluted light hydrocarbon reactant, comprising contacting the hydrocarbon reactant with a catalyst as described above in a reactor, and recovering a substantially carbon monoxide-free hydrogen product stream. In still yet another aspect, a process is provided for catalytic decomposition of an undiluted light hydrocarbon reactant to obtain hydrogen and a valuable multi-walled carbon nanotube coproduct.

  4. Preventing maritime transport of pathogens: the remarkable antimicrobial properties of silver-supported catalysts for ship ballast water disinfection.

    PubMed

    Theologides, C P; Theofilou, S P; Anayiotos, A; Costa, C N

    2017-07-01

    Ship ballast water (SBW) antimicrobial treatment is considered as a priority issue for the shipping industry. The present work investigates the possibility of utilizing antimicrobial catalysis as an effective method for the treatment of SBW. Taking into account the well-known antimicrobial properties of ionic silver (Ag + ), five silver-supported catalysts (Ag/γ-Al 2 O 3 ) with various loadings (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1 wt%) were prepared and examined for the antimicrobial treatment of SBW. The bactericidal activity of the aforementioned catalysts was investigated towards the inhibition of Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Escherichia faecalis (Gram-positive) bacteria. Catalytic experiments were conducted in a three-phase continuous flow stirred tank reactor, used in a semi-batch mode. It was found that using the catalyst with the lowest metal loading, the inhibition of E. coli reached 95.8% after 30 minutes of treatment of an E. coli bacterial solution, while the inhibition obtained for E. faecalis was 76.2% after 60 minutes of treatment of an E. faecalis bacterial solution. Even better results (100% inhibition after 5 min of reaction) were obtained using the catalysts with higher Ag loadings. The results of the present work indicate that the prepared monometallic catalysts exert their antimicrobial activity within a short period of time, revealing, for the first time ever, that the field of antimicrobial heterogeneous catalysis using deposited ionic silver on a solid support may prove decisive for the disinfection of SBW.

  5. Synthesis of Copper-Based Nanostructured Catalysts on SiO2-Al2O3, SiO2-TiO2, and SiO2-ZrO2 Supports for NO Reduction.

    PubMed

    Namkhang, Pornpan; Kongkachuichay, Paisan

    2015-07-01

    The selective catalytic reduction of NO over a series of Cu-based catalysts supported on modified silica including SiO2-Al2O3, SiO2-TiO2, and SiO2-ZrO2 prepared via a sol-gel process and a flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) was studied. The prepared catalysts were characterized by means of TEM, XRD, XRF, TPR, and nitrogen physisorption measurement techniques, to determine particle diameter, morphology, crystallinity, phase composition, copper reducibility, surface area, and pore size of catalysts. The particles obtained from sol-gel method were almost spherical while the particles obtained from the FSP were clearly spherical and non-porous nanosized particles. The effects of Si:Al, Si:Ti, and Si:Zr molar ratio of precursor were identified as the domain for different crystalline phase of materials. It was clearly seen that a high SiO2 content inhibited the crystallization of materials. The BET surface area of catalysts obtained from sol-gel method was higher than that from the FSP and it shows that surface area increased with increasing SiO2 molar ratio due to high surface area from SiO2. The catalyst performances were tested for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with H2. It was found that the catalyst prepared over 7 wt% Cu on Si02-Al2O3 support was the most active compared with the others which converted NO as more than 70%. Moreover, the excess copper decreased the performance of NO reduction, due to the formation of CuO agglomeration covered on the porous silica as well as the alumina surface, preventing the direct contact of CO2 and AL2O3.

  6. Highly active carbon supported Pd cathode catalysts for direct formic acid fuel cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mikolajczuk-Zychora, A.; Borodzinski, A.; Kedzierzawski, P.; Mierzwa, B.; Mazurkiewicz-Pawlicka, M.; Stobinski, L.; Ciecierska, E.; Zimoch, A.; Opałło, M.

    2016-12-01

    One of the drawbacks of low-temperature fuel cells is high price of platinum-based catalysts used for the electroreduction of oxygen at the cathode of the fuel cell. The aim of this work is to develop the palladium catalyst that will replace commonly used platinum cathode catalysts. A series of palladium catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were prepared and tested on the cathode of Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell (DFAFC). Palladium nanoparticles were deposited on the carbon black (Vulcan) and on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) surface by reduction of palladium(II) acetate dissolved in ethanol. Hydrazine was used as a reducing agent. The effect of functionalization of the carbon supports on the catalysts physicochemical properties and the ORR catalytic activity on the cathode of DFAFC was studied. The supports were functionalized by treatment in nitric acid for 4 h at 80 °C. The structure of the prepared catalysts has been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Hydrophilicity of the catalytic layers was determined by measuring contact angles of water droplets. The performance of the prepared catalysts has been compared with that of the commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C (Premetek) catalyst. The maximum power density obtained for the best palladium catalyst, deposited on the surface of functionalized carbon black, is the same as that for the commercial Pt/C (Premetek). Palladium is cheaper than platinum, therefore the developed cathode catalyst is promising for future applications.

  7. Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of CO-oxidation catalysts for high repetition rate CO2 TEA lasers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moser, Thomas P.

    1990-01-01

    An extremely active class of noble metal catalysts supported on titania was developed and fabricated at Hughes for the recombination of oxygen (O2) and carbon monoxide (CO) in closed-cycle CO2 TEA lasers. The incipient wetness technique was used to impregnate titania and alumina pellets with precious metals including platinum and palladium. In particular, the addition of cerium (used as an oxygen storage promoter) produced an extremely active Pt/Ce/TiO2 catalyst. By comparison, the complementary Pt/Ce/ gamma-Al2O3 catalyst was considerably less active. In general, chloride-free catalyst precursors proved critical in obtaining an active catalyst while also providing uniform metal distributions throughout the support structure. Detailed characterization of the Pt/Ce/TiO2 catalyst demonstrated uniform dendritic crystal growth of the metals throughout the support. Electron spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) analysis was used to characterize the oxidation states of Pt, Ce and Ti. The performance of the catalysts was evaluated with an integral flow reactor system incorporating real time analysis of O2 and CO. With this system, the transient and steady-state behavior of the catalysts were evaluated. The kinetic evaluation was complemented by tests in a compact, closed-cycle Hughes CO2 TEA laser operating at a pulse repetition rate of 100 Hz with a catalyst temperature of 75 to 95 C. The Pt/Ce/TiO2 catalyst was compatible with a C(13)O(16)2 gas fill.

  8. CuO based catalysts on modified acidic silica supports tested in the de-NOx reduction.

    PubMed

    Bennici, Simona; Gervasini, Antonella; Lazzarin, Marta; Ragaini, Vittorio

    2005-03-01

    A series of dispersed CuO catalysts supported on modified silica supports with Al2O3 (SA), TiO2 (ST), and ZrO2 (SZ) were prepared optimising the adsorption method of copper deposition assisted by ultrasound treatment, already reported in a previous paper (S. Bennici, A. Gervasini, V. Ragaini, Ultrason. Sonochem. 10 (2003) 61). The obtained catalysts were characterized in their bulk (atomic absorption, X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction) and surface (N2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy) properties. The morphology of the finished materials was not deeply modified compared with that of the relevant supports. The employed complemented techniques evidenced a well dispersed CuO phase with a copper-support interaction on the most acidic supports (SA and SZ). The catalyst performances were studied in the reaction of selective catalytic reduction of NOx with ethene in oxidizing atmosphere in a flow apparatus under variable times (0.360-0.072 s) and temperatures (200-450 degrees C). The catalysts prepared on the most acidic supports (SA and SZ) were the most active and selective towards N2 formation. They showed a particular interesting activity in the reaction of NO2 reduction besides that of NO reduction.

  9. One step electrochemical synthesis of bimetallic PdAu supported on nafion–graphene ribbon film for ethanol electrooxidation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shendage, Suresh S., E-mail: sureshsshendage@gmail.com; Singh, Abilash S.; Nagarkar, Jayashree M., E-mail: jm.nagarkar@ictmumbai.edu.in

    2015-10-15

    Highlights: • Electrochemical deposition of bimetallic PdAu NPs. • Highly loaded PdAu NPs are obtained. • Nafion–graphene supported PdAu NPs shows good activity for ethanol electrooxidation. - Abstract: A nafion–graphene ribbon (Nf–GR) supported bimetallic PdAu nanoparticles (PdAu/Nf–GR) catalyst was prepared by electrochemical codeposition of Pd and Au at constant potential. The prepared catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The average particle size of PdAu nanoparticles (NPs) determined from XRD was 3.5 nm. The electrocatalytic activity of the PdAu/Nf–GR catalyst was examined by cyclic voltametry.more » It was observed that the as prepared catalyst showed efficient activity and good stability for ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline medium.« less

  10. Synthesis of honeycomb-like mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon nanospheres as Pt catalyst supports for methanol oxidation in alkaline media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yunmao; Liu, Yong; Liu, Weihua; Li, Xiying; Mao, Liqun

    2017-06-01

    This paper reports the convenient synthesis of honeycomb-like mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon spheres (MNCS) using a self-assembly strategy that employs dopamine (DA) as a carbon and nitrogen precursor and a polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS173-b-PEO170) diblock copolymer as a soft template. The MNCS have large BET surface areas of up to 554 m2 g-1 and high nitrogen contents of up to 6.9 wt%. The obtained MNCS are used as a support for Pt catalysts, which promote methanol oxidation in alkaline media. The MNCS-supported Pt (Pt/MNCS) catalyst has a larger electrochemically active surface area (ESA) (89.2 m2 g-1) than does a commercially available Vulcan XC-72R supported Pt/C catalyst. Compared to the Pt/C catalyst, Pt/MNCS displays a higher peak current density (1007 mA mg-1) and is more stable during methanol oxidation. These improvements are attributed to the honeycomb-like porous structure of the MNCS and the introduction of nitrogen to the carbon support. The MNCS effectively stabilize Pt nanoparticles and assuage the agglomeration of the nanoparticles, suggesting that MNCS are potential and promising application as electrocatalyst supports in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells.

  11. Nanosized CuO and ZnO catalyst supported on titanium chip for conversion of carbon dioxide to methyl alcohol.

    PubMed

    Seo, Hyeong-Seok; Park, Chul-Min; Kim, Ki-Joong; Jeong, Woon-Jo; Chung, Min-Chul; Jung, Sang-Chul; Kim, Sang-Chai; Ahn, Ho-Geun

    2013-08-01

    In order to reutilize spent metallic titanium chips (TC) as catalyst support or photocatalytic materials, the surface of the TC was modified by thermal treatment under air atmosphere. TC-supported nanosized CuO and ZnO catalysts were prepared by impregnation (IMP) and co-precipitation (CP) method, respectively. The catalytic activity for CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH was investigated using a flow-typed reactor under various reaction pressures. The crystals of CuO and ZnO was well formed on TC. CO2 conversion, CH3OH selectivity, and CH3OH yield were obtained as a function of time on stream over CuO-ZnO/TC catalysts. Conversion of CO2 to CH3OH over CuO-ZnO/TC catalyst by CP method and CuO/ZnO/TC catalyst by IMP method were ca. 16% and ca. 12%, respectively. Conversion of CO2 over CuO-ZnO/TC catalyst by CP method was increased with increasing reaction temperature in the range of 15-30 atm. Maximum selectivity and yield to CH3OH over CuO-ZnO/TC at 250 degrees C were ca. 90% at 20 atm and ca. 18.2% at 30 atm, respectively.

  12. Catalysts based on PdO_ZrO2 in the hydrodechlorination reaction of chlorobenzene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Otroshchenko, T. P.; Turakulova, A. O.; Lokteva, E. S.; Golubina, E. V.; Lunin, V. V.

    2015-07-01

    The possibility of using mixed oxides of palladium and zirconium obtained with biotemplates (cellulose and wood pulp) as the precursor of catalysts for the hydrodechlorination of chlorobenzene is analyzed. The properties of the samples are studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) method, and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). They are then compared to the properties of a supported analogue. The biomorphic precursors are characterized by high porosity and include micropores, mesopores, and macropores; the results from TPR reveal the presence in the precursors of several forms of PdO that differ by reduction temperature. It is shown that the distribution of palladium in the catalysts obtained by reducing the precursors with hydrogen depends on the method used in synthesizing the precursor. It is shown that the studied catalysts ensure 100% conversion of chlorobenzene at temperatures of 100 to 250°C. It is established that cyclohexane is the principal product in the presence of the supported catalyst across the range of temperatures, while cyclohexane and benzene are detected among the products in the presence of biomorphous samples at temperatures above 130°C. The effect the presence of an admixture of alkaline and alkaline-earth metals in the catalyst has on the selectivity of the process is noted. It is established that the catalysts operate in a stable manner for at least 27 h of use under experimental conditions.

  13. Pilot-scale evaluation of a novel TiO2-supported V2O5 catalyst for DeNOx at low temperatures at a waste incinerator.

    PubMed

    Jung, Hyounduk; Park, Eunseuk; Kim, Minsu; Jurng, Jongsoo

    2017-03-01

    The removal of NOx by catalytic technology at low temperatures is significant for treatment of flue gas in waste incineration plants, especially at temperatures below 200°C. A novel highly active TiO 2 -supported vanadium oxide catalyst at low temperatures (200-250°C) has been developed for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) de-NOx process with ammonia. The catalyst was evaluated in a pilot-scale equipment, and the results were compared with those obtained in our previous work using laboratory scale (small volume test) equipment as well as bench-scale laboratory equipment. In the present work, we have performed our experiments in pilot scale equipment using a part of effluent flue gas that was obtained from flue gas cleaning equipment in a full-scale waste incineration plant in South Korea. Based on our previous work, we have prepared a TiO 2 -supported V 2 O 5 catalyst coated (with a loading of 7wt% of impregnated V 2 O 5 ) on a honeycomb cordierite monolith to remove NOx from a waste incinerator flue gas at low temperatures. The NOx (nitrogen oxides) removal efficiency of the SCR catalyst bed was measured in a catalyst fixed-bed reactor (flow rate: 100m 3 h -1 ) using real exhaust gas from the waste incinerator. The experimental results showed that the V 2 O 5 /TiO 2 SCR catalyst exhibited good DeNOx performance (over 98% conversion at an operating temperature of 300°C, 95% at 250°C, and 70% at 200°C), and was much better than the performance of commercial SCR catalysts (as low as 55% conversion at 250°C) under the same operating conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Effect of support size on the catalytic activity of metal-oxide-doped silica particles in the glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate.

    PubMed

    Wi, Rinbok; Imran, Muhammad; Lee, Kyoung G; Yoon, Sun Hong; Cho, Bong Gyoo; Kim, Do Hyun

    2011-07-01

    Zinc oxide (ZnO) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of preformed silica spheres with diameters ranging from 60 to 750 nm. Ultrasonic irradiation was employed to promote the deposition of the metal oxide nanoparticles on the surface of silica. Silica-supported zinc oxide or cerium oxide was used as a catalyst in the glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate, one of the key processes in the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate. The effect of the support size on the catalytic activity was studied in terms of monomer yield, and the monomer concentration was analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The morphologies and surface properties of the catalysts were characterized using a scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope, and a BET surface area analyzer, while the monomer was characterized via HPLC and nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy. Both the zinc oxide and cerium oxide deposited on a smaller support showed better distribution and less aggregation. The high specific surface area of the smaller support catalysts provided a large number of active sites. The highest monomer yield was obtained with a catalyst of 60-nm silica support.

  15. Catalytic oxidation of toluene: comparative study over powder and monolithic manganese-nickel mixed oxide catalysts.

    PubMed

    Duplančić, Marina; Tomašić, Vesna; Gomzi, Zoran

    2017-07-05

    This paper is focused on development of the metal monolithic structure for total oxidation of toluene at low temperature. The well-adhered catalyst, based on the mixed oxides of manganese and nickel, is washcoated on the Al/Al 2 O 3 plates as metallic support. For the comparison purposes, results observed for the manganese-nickel mixed oxide supported on the metallic monolith are compared with those obtained using powder type of the same catalyst. Prepared manganese-nickel mixed oxides in both configurations show remarkable low-temperature activity for the toluene oxidation. The reaction temperature T 50 corresponding to 50% of the toluene conversion is observed at temperatures of ca. 400-430 K for the powder catalyst and at ca. 450-490 K for the monolith configuration. The appropriate mathematical models, such as one-dimensional (1D) pseudo-homogeneous model of the fixed bed reactor and the 1D heterogeneous model of the metal monolith reactor, are applied to describe and compare catalytic performances of both reactors. Validation of the applied models is performed by comparing experimental data with theoretical predictions. The obtained results confirmed that the reaction over the monolithic structure is kinetically controlled, while in the case of the powder catalyst the reaction rate is influenced by the intraphase diffusion.

  16. Design and use of nanostructured single-site heterogeneous catalysts for the selective transformation of fine chemicals.

    PubMed

    Dal Santo, Vladimiro; Liguori, Francesca; Pirovano, Claudio; Guidotti, Matteo

    2010-05-26

    Nanostructured single-site heterogeneous catalysts possess the advantages of classical solid catalysts, in terms of easy recovery and recycling, together with a defined tailored chemical and steric environment around the catalytically active metal site. The use of inorganic oxide supports with selected shape and porosity at a nanometric level may have a relevant impact on the regio- and stereochemistry of the catalytic reaction. Analogously, by choosing the optimal preparation techniques to obtain spatially isolated and well-characterised active sites, it is possible to achieve performances that are comparable to (or, in the most favourable cases, better than) those obtained with homogeneous systems. Such catalysts are therefore particularly suitable for the transformation of highly-functionalised fine chemicals and some relevant examples where high chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity are crucial will be described.

  17. A surfactant free preparation of ultradispersed surface-clean Pt catalyst with highly stable electrocatalytic performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tao, Lu; Zhao, Yueping; Zhao, Yufeng; Huang, Shifei; Yang, Yunxia; Tong, Qi; Gao, Faming

    2018-02-01

    High efficiency platinum-based catalyst demands the ultrafine size and well dispersion of Pt nanoparticles (NPs), with clean surface and strong interactions between the supports. In this work, we demonstrate a simple strategy for the preparation of ultra-dispersed surface-clean Pt catalyst with high stability, in which the Pt nanoparticles (NPs) with 1.8 ± 0.6 nm in size are anchored tightly on a 3D hierarchical porous graphitized carbon (3D-HPG) through galvanic replacement reaction. The as-obtained catalyst can undergo 2000 voltage cycles with negligible activity decay and no apparent structure and size changes for MOR during the durability test, and its mass activity for ORR only reduce 18.3% after 5000 cycles. The excellent performance is attributed to strong anchoring effect between carbon support and Pt nanoparticles.

  18. Anodic aluminium oxide membranes used for the growth of carbon nanotubes.

    PubMed

    López, Vicente; Morant, Carmen; Márquez, Francisco; Zamora, Félix; Elizalde, Eduardo

    2009-11-01

    The suitability of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes as template supported on Si substrates for obtaining organized iron catalyst for carbon nanotube (CNT) growth has been investigated. The iron catalyst was confined in the holes of the AAO membrane. CVD synthesis with ethylene as carbon source led to a variety of carbon structures (nanotubes, helices, bamboo-like, etc). In absence of AAO membrane the catalyst was homogeneously distributed on the Si surface producing a high density of micron-length CNTs.

  19. High Coke-Resistance Pt/Mg1-xNixO Catalyst for Dry Reforming of Methane

    PubMed Central

    Al-Doghachi, Faris A. J.; Islam, Aminul; Zainal, Zulkarnain; Saiman, Mohd Izham; Embong, Zaidi; Taufiq-Yap, Yun Hin

    2016-01-01

    A highly active and stable nano structured Pt/Mg1-xNixO catalysts was developed by a simple co-precipitation method. The obtained Pt/Mg1-xNixO catalyst exhibited cubic structure nanocatalyst with a size of 50–80 nm and realized CH4 and CO2 conversions as high as 98% at 900°C with excellent stability in the dry reforming of methane. The characterization of catalyst was performed using various kinds of analytical techniques including XRD, BET, XRF, TPR-H2, TGA, TEM, FESEM, FT-IR, and XPS analyses. Characterization of spent catalyst further confirms that Pt/Mg1-xNixO catalyst has high coke-resistance for dry reforming. Thus, the catalyst demonstrated in this study, offers a promising catalyst for resolving the dilemma between dispersion and reducibility of supported metal, as well as activity and stability during high temperature reactions. PMID:26745623

  20. CO2 hydrogenation to methanol on supported Au catalysts under moderate reaction conditions: support and particle size effects.

    PubMed

    Hartadi, Yeusy; Widmann, Daniel; Behm, R Jürgen

    2015-02-01

    The potential of metal oxide supported Au catalysts for the formation of methanol from CO2 and H2 under conditions favorable for decentralized and local conversion, which could be concepts for chemical energy storage, was investigated. Significant differences in the catalytic activity and selectivity of Au/Al2 O3 , Au/TiO2 , AuZnO, and Au/ZrO2 catalysts for methanol formation under moderate reaction conditions at a pressure of 5 bar and temperatures between 220 and 240 °C demonstrate pronounced support effects. A high selectivity (>50 %) for methanol formation was obtained only for Au/ZnO. Furthermore, measurements on Au/ZnO samples with different Au particle sizes reveal distinct Au particle size effects: although the activity increases strongly with the decreasing particle size, the selectivity decreases. The consequences of these findings for the reaction mechanism and for the potential of Au/ZnO catalysts for chemical energy storage and a "green" methanol technology are discussed. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Conversion of biomass-derived sorbitol to glycols over carbon-materials supported Ru-based catalysts

    PubMed Central

    Guo, Xingcui; Guan, Jing; Li, Bin; Wang, Xicheng; Mu, Xindong; Liu, Huizhou

    2015-01-01

    Ruthenium (Ru) supported on activated carbon (AC) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was carried out in the hydrogenolysis of sorbitol to ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) under the promotion of tungsten (WOx) species and different bases. Their catalytic activities and glycols selectivities strongly depended on the support properties and location of Ru on CNTs, owning to the altered metal-support interactions and electronic state of ruthenium. Ru located outside of the tubes showed excellent catalytic performance than those encapsulated inside the nanotubes. Additionally, the introduction of WOx into Ru/CNTs significantly improved the hydrogenolysis activities, and a complete conversion of sorbitol with up to 60.2% 1,2-PD and EG yields was obtained on RuWOx/CNTs catalyst upon addition of Ca(OH)2. Stability study showed that this catalyst was highly stable against leaching and poisoning and could be recycled several times. PMID:26578426

  2. Conversion of biomass-derived sorbitol to glycols over carbon-materials supported Ru-based catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Xingcui; Guan, Jing; Li, Bin; Wang, Xicheng; Mu, Xindong; Liu, Huizhou

    2015-11-01

    Ruthenium (Ru) supported on activated carbon (AC) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was carried out in the hydrogenolysis of sorbitol to ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) under the promotion of tungsten (WOx) species and different bases. Their catalytic activities and glycols selectivities strongly depended on the support properties and location of Ru on CNTs, owning to the altered metal-support interactions and electronic state of ruthenium. Ru located outside of the tubes showed excellent catalytic performance than those encapsulated inside the nanotubes. Additionally, the introduction of WOx into Ru/CNTs significantly improved the hydrogenolysis activities, and a complete conversion of sorbitol with up to 60.2% 1,2-PD and EG yields was obtained on RuWOx/CNTs catalyst upon addition of Ca(OH)2. Stability study showed that this catalyst was highly stable against leaching and poisoning and could be recycled several times.

  3. UV Light-Assisted Synthesis of Highly Efficient Pd-Based Catalyst over NiO for Hydrogenation of o-Chloronitrobenzene

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Weidong; Xu, Bin; Fan, Guangyin; Zhang, Kaiming; Xiang, Zhen; Liu, Xiaoqiang

    2018-01-01

    Supported Pd-based catalyst over active nickel oxide (NiO) was repared using the impregnation method companying with UV-light irradiation. Moreover, the catalytic performance of the obtained Pd-based catalysts was evaluated towards the hydrogenation of o-chloronitrobenzene (o-CNB). Observations indicate that the as-prepared UV-irradiated Pd/NiO catalyst with a mole fraction 0.2% (0.2%Pd/NiO) has higher activity and selectivity in the o-CNB hydrogenation. Especially, UV-light irradiation played a positive role in the improvement of catalytic activity of 0.2%Pd/NiO catalyst, exhibiting an excess 11-fold activity superiority in contrast with non-UV-irradiated 0.2%Pd/NiO catalyst. In addition, it was investigated that effects of varied factors (i.e., reaction time, temperature, o-CNB/Pd ratio, Pd loading, hydrogen pressure) on the selective hydrogenation of ο-CNB catalyzed by UV-irradiated 0.2%Pd/NiO catalyst. Under the reaction conditions of 60 °C, 0.5 h, 1 MPa H2 pressure, 100% conversion of o-CNB, and 81.1% o-CAN selectivity were obtained, even at high molar ratio (8000:1) of o-CNB to Pd. PMID:29662004

  4. UV Light-Assisted Synthesis of Highly Efficient Pd-Based Catalyst over NiO for Hydrogenation of o-Chloronitrobenzene.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Weidong; Xu, Bin; Fan, Guangyin; Zhang, Kaiming; Xiang, Zhen; Liu, Xiaoqiang

    2018-04-14

    Supported Pd-based catalyst over active nickel oxide (NiO) was repared using the impregnation method companying with UV-light irradiation. Moreover, the catalytic performance of the obtained Pd-based catalysts was evaluated towards the hydrogenation of o -chloronitrobenzene ( o -CNB). Observations indicate that the as-prepared UV-irradiated Pd/NiO catalyst with a mole fraction 0.2% (0.2%Pd/NiO) has higher activity and selectivity in the o -CNB hydrogenation. Especially, UV-light irradiation played a positive role in the improvement of catalytic activity of 0.2%Pd/NiO catalyst, exhibiting an excess 11-fold activity superiority in contrast with non-UV-irradiated 0.2%Pd/NiO catalyst. In addition, it was investigated that effects of varied factors (i.e., reaction time, temperature, o -CNB/Pd ratio, Pd loading, hydrogen pressure) on the selective hydrogenation of ο -CNB catalyzed by UV-irradiated 0.2%Pd/NiO catalyst. Under the reaction conditions of 60 °C, 0.5 h, 1 MPa H₂ pressure, 100% conversion of o -CNB, and 81.1% o -CAN selectivity were obtained, even at high molar ratio (8000:1) of o -CNB to Pd.

  5. Catalysis with Gold Complexes Immobilised on Carbon Nanotubes by π-π Stacking Interactions: Heterogeneous Catalysis versus the Boomerang Effect.

    PubMed

    Vriamont, Charles; Devillers, Michel; Riant, Olivier; Hermans, Sophie

    2013-09-02

    A new pyrene-tagged gold(I) complex has been synthesised and tested as a homogeneous catalyst. First, a simple 1,6-enyne was chosen as a model substrate for cyclisation by using different solvents to optimise the reaction conditions. The non-covalent immobilisation of our pyrene-tagged gold complex onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes through π-π stacking interactions was then explored to obtain a supported homogeneous catalyst. The heterogenised catalyst and its homogeneous counterpart exhibited similar activity in a range of enyne cyclisation reactions. Bearing in mind that π-π interactions are affected by temperature and solvent polarity, the reuse and robustness of the supported homogeneous catalyst was tested to explore the scope and limitations of the recyclability of this catalyst. Under the optimised conditions, recyclability was observed by using the concept of the boomerang effect. Copyright © 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Vertically-oriented graphenes supported Mn3O4 as advanced catalysts in post plasma-catalysis for toluene decomposition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bo, Zheng; Hao, Han; Yang, Shiling; Zhu, Jinhui; Yan, Jianhua; Cen, Kefa

    2018-04-01

    This work reports the catalytic performance of vertically-oriented graphenes (VGs) supported manganese oxide catalysts toward toluene decomposition in post plasma-catalysis (PPC) system. Dense networks of VGs were synthesized on carbon paper (CP) via a microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. A constant current approach was applied in a conventional three-electrode electrochemical system for the electrodeposition of Mn3O4 catalysts on VGs. The as-obtained catalysts were characterized and investigated for ozone conversion and toluene decomposition in a PPC system. Experimental results show that the Mn3O4 catalyst loading mass on VG-coated CP was significantly higher than that on pristine CP (almost 1.8 times for an electrodeposition current of 10 mA). Moreover, the decoration of VGs led to both enhanced catalytic activity for ozone conversion and increased toluene decomposition, exhibiting a great promise in PPC system for the effective decomposition of volatile organic compounds.

  7. Highly tunable porous organic polymer (POP) supports for metallocene-based ethylene polymerization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiong; Li, Zhenyou; Han, Xiaoyu; Han, Zhengang; Bai, Yongxiao

    2017-10-01

    Porous organic Polymers (POPs) can not only exhibit high specific surface area and pore volume, but also tunable pore size distribution. Herein, copolymers of 2-hydroxyethylmethylacrylate (HEMA) and divinylbenzene (DVB) with specific pore structure were synthesized via a dispersion polymerization strategy, and then immobilized metallocene catalysts with well-defined pore structure were obtained on the produced POP supports. The nitrogen sorption and Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results demonstrate that the pore structure of the immobilized metallocene catalyst is highly dependent on the pore structure of the POPs, and the pore structure of metallocene catalysts or the POPs has a significant influence on the molecular chain growth of the produced polyethylene. By tuning the distribution of the active species scattered in the micro- and the narrow meso-pore range (roughly ≤4 nm), the chain growth of the polyolefin can be tailored effectively during the polymerization process, although differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) results show that the chemical composition distributions (CCDs) of produced PE from the POPs-supported metallocene catalysts are not determined by polymerization activity or molecule chain length, but mainly by the active site species scattered in the supported catalysts. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) shows that the produced polyethylene has highly porous fabric which consists of nanofiber and spherical beads of micron dimension.

  8. Automated synthesis of a 96 product-sized library of triazole derivatives using a solid phase supported copper catalyst.

    PubMed

    Jlalia, Ibtissem; Beauvineau, Claire; Beauvière, Sophie; Onen, Esra; Aufort, Marie; Beauvineau, Aymeric; Khaba, Eihab; Herscovici, Jean; Meganem, Faouzi; Girard, Christian

    2010-04-28

    This article deal with the parallel synthesis of a 96 product-sized library using a polymer-based copper catalyst that we developed which can be easily separated from the products by simple filtration. This gave us the opportunity to use this catalyst in an automated chemical synthesis station (Chemspeed ASW-2000). Studies and results about the preparation of the catalyst, its use in different solvent systems, its recycling capabilities and its scope and limitations in the synthesis of this library will be addressed. The synthesis of the triazole library and the very good results obtained will finally be discussed.

  9. Microgravity Effects on Chronoamperometric Ammonia Oxidation Reaction at Platinum Nanoparticles on Modified Mesoporous Carbon Supports

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Poventud-Estrada, Carlos M.; Acevedo, Raúl; Morales, Camila; Betancourt, Luis; Diaz, Diana C.; Rodriguez, Manuel A.; Larios, Eduardo; José-Yacaman, Miguel; Nicolau, Eduardo; Flynn, Michael; Cabrera, Carlos R.

    2017-10-01

    The effect of microgravity on the electrochemical oxidation of ammonia at platinum nanoparticles supported on modified mesoporous carbons (MPC) with three different pore diameters (64, 100, and 137 Å) was studied via the chronoamperometric technique in a half-cell. The catalysts were prepared by a H2 reductive process of PtCl6^{4-} in presence of the mesoporous carbon support materials. A microgravity environment was obtained with an average gravity of less than 0.02 g created aboard an airplane performing parabolic maneuvers. Results show the chronoamperommetry of the ammonia oxidation reaction in 1.0 M NH4OH at 0.60 V vs. RHE under microgravity conditions. The current density, in all three catalysts, decreased while in microgravity conditions when compared to ground based experiments. Under microgravity, all three catalysts yielded a decrease in ammonia oxidation reaction current density between 25 to 63% versus terrestrial experimental results, in time scales between 1 and 15 s. The Pt catalyst prepared with mesoporous carbon of 137 Å porous showed the smallest changes, between 25 to 48%. Nanostructuring catalyst materials have an effect on the level of current density decrease under microgravity conditions.

  10. Highly dispersed Pt-Ni nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes for application in direct methanol fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Shujuan; Ma, Yanwen; Tao, Haisheng; Jian, Guoqiang; Wang, Xizhang; Fan, Yining; Zhu, Jianmin; Hu, Zheng

    2010-06-01

    Binary Pt-Ni alloyed nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) have been facilely constructed without pre-modification by making use of the active sites in NCNTs due to the N-participation. So-obtained binary Pt-Ni alloyed nanoparticles have been highly dispersed on the outer surface of the support with the size of about 3-4 nm. The electrochemical properties of the catalysts for methanol oxidation have been systematically evaluated. Binary Pt-Ni alloyed composites with molar ratio (Pt:Ni) of 3:2 and 3:1 present enhanced electrocatalytic activities and improved tolerance to CO poisoning as well as the similar stability, in comparison with the commercial Pt/C catalyst and the monometallic Pt/NCNTs catalysts. These results imply that so-constructed nanocomposite catalysts have the potential for applications in direct methanol fuel cells.

  11. Fabrication of ultralong and electrically uniform single-walled carbon nanotubes on clean substrates.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xueshen; Li, Qunqing; Xie, Jing; Jin, Zhong; Wang, Jinyong; Li, Yan; Jiang, Kaili; Fan, Shoushan

    2009-09-01

    We report the controlled growth of ultralong single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) arrays using an improved chemical vapor deposition strategy. Using ethanol or methane as the feed gas, monodispersed Fe-Mo as the catalyst, and a superaligned carbon nanotube (CNT) film as the catalyst supporting frame, ultralong CNTs over 18.5 cm long were grown on Si substrates. The growth rate of the CNTs was more than 40 mum/s. No catalyst-related residual material was found on the substrates due to the use of a CNT film as the catalyst supporting frame, facilitating any subsequent fabrication of SWNT-based devices. Electrical transport measurements indicated that the electrical characteristics along a single ultralong SWNT were uniform. We also found that maintaining a spatially homogeneous temperature during the growth process was a critical factor for obtaining constant electrical characteristics along the length of the ultralong SWNTs.

  12. Mesoporous carbon-supported Pd nanoparticles with high specific surface area for cyclohexene hydrogenation: Outstanding catalytic activity of NaOH-treated catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Puskás, R.; Varga, T.; Grósz, A.; Sápi, A.; Oszkó, A.; Kukovecz, Á.; Kónya, Z.

    2016-06-01

    Extremely high specific surface area mesoporous carbon-supported Pd nanoparticle catalysts were prepared with both impregnation and polyol-based sol methods. The silica template used for the synthesis of mesoporous carbon was removed by both NaOH and HF etching. Pd/mesoporous carbon catalysts synthesized with the impregnation method has as high specific surface area as 2250 m2/g. In case of NaOH-etched impregnated samples, the turnover frequency of cyclohexene hydrogenation to cyclohexane at 313 K was obtained 14 molecules • site- 1 • s- 1. The specific surface area of HF-etched samples was higher compared to NaOH-etched samples. However, catalytic activity was 3-6 times higher on NaOH-etched samples compared to HF-etched samples, which can be attributed to the presence of sodium and surface hydroxylgroups of the catalysts etched with NaOH solution.

  13. Non-Noble Metal Oxide Catalysts for Methane Catalytic Combustion: Sonochemical Synthesis and Characterisation

    PubMed Central

    Jędrzejczyk, Roman J.; Dziedzicka, Anna; Kuterasiński, Łukasz; Sitarz, Maciej

    2017-01-01

    The aim of this study was to obtain nanocrystalline mixed metal-oxide–ZrO2 catalysts via a sonochemically-induced preparation method. The effect of a stabiliser’s addition on the catalyst parameters was investigated by several characterisation methods including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and µRaman. The sonochemical preparation method allowed us to manufacture the catalysts with uniformly dispersed metal-oxide nanoparticles at the support surface. The catalytic activity was tested in a methane combustion reaction. The activity of the catalysts prepared by the sonochemical method was higher than that of the reference catalysts prepared by the incipient wetness method without ultrasonic irradiation. The cobalt and chromium mixed zirconia catalysts revealed their high activities, which are comparable with those presented in the literature. PMID:28686190

  14. Activity of Highly Dispersed Co/SBA-15 Catalysts (Low Content) in Carbon Black Oxidation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hassan, Nissrine El; Casale, Sandra; Aouad, Samer; Hanein, Theodor; Jabbour, Karam; Chidiac, Elvis; Khoury, Bilal el; Zakhem, Henri El; Nakat, Hanna El

    Cobalt supported on mesoporous silica SBA-15 (0.75, 1.5 and 3 wt% Co) were used as catalysts for the oxidation of carbon black. Catalysts were characterized by N2 sorption, XRD, TEM and TPR. The catalytic activity in CB oxidation was measured. It has been shown that only small cobalt domains (less than 5 nm) are present on all samples. A homogeneous dispersion was obtained for all catalysts. With increasing cobalt loading, crystalline species start to appear. Using an intermediate contact between the CB and the catalyst, the best activity is that of 0.75Co/SBA-15 catalyst where the oxidation reaches the maximum (Tmax) 68 K before the non-catalyzed reaction. On the same catalyst used in tight contact mode with CB, even if Tmax didn't decrease for more than additional 12 K but the Ti decreases by 38K and thus starts 83 K before.

  15. Influence of the support of CoMo sulfide catalysts and of the addition of potassium and platinum on the catalytic performances for the hydrodeoxygenation of carbonyl, carboxyl, and guaiacol-type molecules

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Centeno, A.; Laurent, E.; Delmon, B.

    1995-07-01

    The present work corresponds to part of a program aimed at upgrading oil obtained by pyrolysis of biomass by hydrotreatment (hydrodeoxygenation HDO). CoMo sulfide catalysts, nonsupported, supported on different supports (alumina, carbon, silica), or modified by K or Pt, were used. The authors used a model reacting mixture containing compounds representative of the molecules that must react to permit a primary stabilisation of the pyrolytic oil: 4-methy lacetophenone (4-MA), diethylsebacate (DES), and guaiacol (GUA). In the reaction of the carbonyl group of the 4-MA it is shown that no important role is played by any acid-base mechanism; dispersion determines themore » activity. Acidity of the support influences the formation of active sites for decarboxylation and hydrogenation of the carboxyl group of DES. It was confirmed that guaiacol-type molecules lead to coking reactions. The role of acidity in the mechanism of these reactions is confirmed, but the modifications made in the catalysts in this work are still not sufficient to control coke deposition. The catalysts supported on carbon lead to the direct elimination of the methoxyl group of the guaiacol. Carbon, on the whole, seems to be a promising support. This work suggests that appropriate modifications of the hydrotreating catalysts can lead to a more effective process for stabilisation of the bio-oils by reaction with hydrogen. 55 refs., 3 figs., 5 tabs.« less

  16. Sulfidation of Co/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] and CoMo/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] catalysts studied by Moessbauer emission spectroscopy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Craje, M.W.J.; Kraan, A.M. van der; Beer, V.H.J. de

    1993-10-01

    The structure of hydrodesulfurization catalysts is relevant to many industries. The sulfidation of uncalcined and calcined alumina-supported cobalt and cobalt-molybdenum catalysts was systematically studied by means of in situ Moessbauer emission spectroscopy (MES) at room temperature. The spectra obtained during the stepwise sulfidation of the uncalcined catalysts clearly resemble those observed for carbon-supported ones. Hence, the interpretation of the spectra of the alumina-supported catalysts is based on the conclusions drawn from the MES studies of the carbon-supported catalysts, which are less complex because Co ions do not diffuse into the support. It is demonstrated that not only in sulfided CoMo/Al[submore » 2]O[sub 3], but also in sulfided Co/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3], catalysts Co-sulfide species with a [open quotes]Co-Mo-S[close quotes]-type quadrupole splitting can be formed. It is concluded that the Co-sulfide species formed in sulfided Co/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] and CoMo/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] catalysts are essentially the same, only the particle size and ordering of the Co-sulfide species may differ, as in the case of Co/C and CoMo/C catalysts. The function of the Mo, which is present as MoS[sub 2], is merely to stabilize very small Co-sulfide particles, which in the limit contain only one single Co atom. Furthermore, it turns out that the value of the electric quadrupole splitting (Q.S. value) of the Co-sulfide phase in the sulfided catalysts depends on the sulfiding temperature and Co content. This observation leads to the conclusion that large Q.S. values point to the presence of very small Co-sulfide entities or particles (the lower limit being [open quotes]particles[close quotes] containing only one Co atom, such as proposed in the [open quotes]Co-Mo-S[close quotes] model), whereas small Q.S. values point to the presence of large Co-sulfide particles (the upper limit being crystalline Co[sub 9]S[sub 8]). 28 refs., 7 figs., 6 tabs.« less

  17. Evaluation studies on carbon supported catalysts for oxygen reduction in alkaline medium

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Srinivasan, Vakula S.; Singer, Joseph

    1986-01-01

    This paper describes tests designed to predict the performance of fuel cell electrodes, as applied to an alkaline oxygen-fuel cell having specially fabricated porous-carbon electrodes with various amounts of dispersed platinum or gold as active catalysts. The tests are based on information obtained from the techniques of cyclic voltammetry and polarization. The parameters obtained from cyclic voltammetry were of limited use in predicting fuel cell performance of the cathode. On the other hand, half-cell polarization measurements offered close simulation of the oxygen electrode, although a predictor of the electrode life is still lacking. The very low polarization of the Au-10 percent Pt catalytic electrode suggests that single-phase catalysts should be considered.

  18. Role of bonding mechanisms during transfer hydrogenation reaction on heterogeneous catalysts of platinum nanoparticles supported on zinc oxide nanorods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Al-Alawi, Reem A.; Laxman, Karthik; Dastgir, Sarim; Dutta, Joydeep

    2016-07-01

    For supported heterogeneous catalysis, the interface between a metal nanoparticle and the support plays an important role. In this work the dependency of the catalytic efficiency on the bonding chemistry of platinum nanoparticles supported on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods is studied. Platinum nanoparticles were deposited on ZnO nanorods (ZnO NR) using thermal and photochemical processes and the effects on the size, distribution, density and chemical state of the metal nanoparticles upon the catalytic activities are presented. The obtained results indicate that the bonding at Pt-ZnO interface depends on the deposition scheme which can be utilized to modulate the surface chemistry and thus the activity of the supported catalysts. Additionally, uniform distribution of metal on the catalyst support was observed to be more important than the loading density. It is also found that oxidized platinum Pt(IV) (platinum hydroxide) provided a more suitable surface for enhancing the transfer hydrogenation reaction of cyclohexanone with isopropanol compared to zero valent platinum. Photochemically synthesized ZnO supported nanocatalysts were efficient and potentially viable for upscaling to industrial applications.

  19. Development of highly active and stable hybrid cathode catalyst for PEMFCs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jung, Won Suk

    Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are attractive power sources of the future for a variety of applications including portable electronics, stationary power, and automobile application. However, sluggish cathode kinetics, high Pt cost, and durability issues inhibit the commercialization of PEMFCs. To overcome these drawbacks, research has been focused on alloying Pt with transition metals since alloy catalysts show significantly improved catalytic properties like high activity, selectivity, and durability. However, Pt-alloy catalysts synthesized using the conventional impregnation method exhibit uneven particle size and poor particle distribution resulting in poor performance and/or durability in PEMFCs. In this dissertation, a novel catalyst synthesis methodology is developed and compared with catalysts prepared using impregnation method and commercial catalysts. Two approaches are investigated for the catalyst development. The catalyst durability was studied under U. S. DRIVE Fuel Cell Tech Team suggested protocols. In the first approach, the carbon composite catalyst (CCC) having active sites for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is employed as a support for the synthesis of Pt/CCC catalyst. The structural and electrochemical properties of Pt/CCC catalyst are investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while RDE and fuel cell testing are carried out to study the electrochemical properties. The synergistic effect of CCC and Pt is confirmed by the observed high activity towards ORR for the Pt/CCC catalyst. The second approach is the synthesis of Co-doped hybrid cathode catalysts (Co-doped Pt/CCC) by diffusing the Co metal present within the CCC support into the Pt nanoparticles during heat-treatment. The optimized Co-doped Pt/CCC catalyst performed better than the commercial catalysts and the catalyst prepared using the impregnation method in PEMFCs and showed high stability under 30,000 potential cycles between 0.6 and 1.0 V. To further increase the stability of the catalyst at high potential cycles (1.0-1.5 V), high temperature treatment is used to obtain graphitized carbon having optimum BET surface area. The novel catalyst synthesis procedure developed in this study was successfully applied for the synthesis of Co-doped Pt catalysts supported on the graphitized carbon which showed high activity and enhanced stability at high potentials.

  20. Studies of potassium-promoted nickel catalysts for methane steam reforming: Effect of surface potassium location

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Borowiecki, Tadeusz; Denis, Andrzej; Rawski, Michał; Gołębiowski, Andrzej; Stołecki, Kazimierz; Dmytrzyk, Jaromir; Kotarba, Andrzej

    2014-05-01

    The effect of potassium addition to the Ni/Al2O3 steam reforming catalyst has been investigated on several model systems, including K/Al2O3 with various amounts of alkali promoters (1-4 wt% of K2O), a model catalyst 90%NiO-10%Al2O3 promoted with potassium and a commercial catalyst. The potassium surface state and stability were investigated by means of the Species Resolved Thermal Alkali Desorption method (SR-TAD). The activity of the catalysts in the steam reforming of methane and their coking-resistance were also evaluated. The results reveal that the beneficial effect of potassium addition is strongly related to its location in the catalysts. The catalyst surface should be promoted with potassium in order to obtain high coking-resistant catalysts. Moreover, the catalyst preparation procedure should ensure a direct interaction of potassium with the Al2O3 support surface. Due to the low stability of potassium on θ-Al2O3 this phase is undesirable during the preparation of a stable steam reforming catalyst.

  1. New insights into aldol reactions of methyl isocyanoacetate catalyzed by heterogenized homogeneous catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ye, Rong; Zhao, Jie; Yuan, Bing

    The Hayashi–Ito aldol reaction of methyl isocyanoacetate (MI) and benzaldehydes, a classic homogeneous Au(I)-catalyzed reaction, was studied with heterogenized homogeneous catalysts. Among dendrimer encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) of Au, Pd, Rh, or Pt loaded in mesoporous supports and the homogeneous analogues, the Au NPs led to the highest yield and highest diastereoselectivity of products in toluene at room temperature. The Au catalyst was stable and was recycled for at least six runs without substantial deactivation. Moreover, larger pore sizes of the support and the use of a hydrophobic solvent led to a high selectivity for the trans diastereomer of the product.more » The activation energy is sensitive to neither the size of Au NPs nor the support. A linear Hammett plot was obtained with a positive slope, suggesting an increased electron density on the carbonyl carbon atom in the rate-limiting step. As a result, IR studies revealed a strong interaction between MI and the gold catalyst, supporting the proposed mechanism, in which rate-limiting step involves an electrophilic attack of the aldehyde on the enolate formed from the deprotonated MI.« less

  2. New insights into aldol reactions of methyl isocyanoacetate catalyzed by heterogenized homogeneous catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    Ye, Rong; Zhao, Jie; Yuan, Bing; ...

    2016-12-14

    The Hayashi–Ito aldol reaction of methyl isocyanoacetate (MI) and benzaldehydes, a classic homogeneous Au(I)-catalyzed reaction, was studied with heterogenized homogeneous catalysts. Among dendrimer encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) of Au, Pd, Rh, or Pt loaded in mesoporous supports and the homogeneous analogues, the Au NPs led to the highest yield and highest diastereoselectivity of products in toluene at room temperature. The Au catalyst was stable and was recycled for at least six runs without substantial deactivation. Moreover, larger pore sizes of the support and the use of a hydrophobic solvent led to a high selectivity for the trans diastereomer of the product.more » The activation energy is sensitive to neither the size of Au NPs nor the support. A linear Hammett plot was obtained with a positive slope, suggesting an increased electron density on the carbonyl carbon atom in the rate-limiting step. As a result, IR studies revealed a strong interaction between MI and the gold catalyst, supporting the proposed mechanism, in which rate-limiting step involves an electrophilic attack of the aldehyde on the enolate formed from the deprotonated MI.« less

  3. Citric acid induced promoted dispersion of Pt on the support and enhanced catalytic activities for a Pt-based catalyst

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Tianqiong; Wang, Jianli; Wang, Suning; Cui, Yajuan; Zhang, Hailong; Yan, Shuang; Yuan, Shandong; Chen, Yaoqiang

    2017-12-01

    Citric acid (CA), as the chelating agent, was introduced to obtain the enhanced Pt dispersion and catalytic activities for the Pt-based catalysts supported on oxygen-storage material. The role and content of CA were investigated systematically. It was found that the citric acid-assisted catalysts showed better Pt dispersion and smaller nanoparticle size of Pt. Thus, the catalyst had lower reduction temperature, preferable thermostability and possessed more oxidation state of Pt species under the oxidation atmosphere. The citric acid-induced fresh catalysts were excellent to convert CO and the corresponding aged ones exhibited higher activities for the elimination of all the target pollutants. Among the aged catalysts, P2-a (the mole ratio of Pt/CA is 2:1) presented the best performance. Particularly, compared with the reference sample (Pc-a), the light-off temperatures (T50) of NO, HC and CO for P2-a decreased by 39 °C, 42 °C and 72 °C, respectively, and the full-conversion temperatures (T90) of NO, HC and CO for P2-a decreased by 44 °C, 44 °C and 48 °C, respectively. Therefore, this work provides a facile and valid method to manufacture advanced catalysts for purification of the vehicle exhaust in the future.

  4. Graphene-supported platinum catalyst prepared with ionomer as surfactant for anion exchange membrane fuel cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, L.; Zhao, T. S.; An, L.; Zhao, G.; Yan, X. H.; Jung, C. Y.

    2015-02-01

    In this work, we have synthesized an ionomer-coated graphene-supported platinum catalyst for anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Unlike the common surfactant stabilized colloidal method, we employ a home-made anion exchange ionomer (AEI), namely quaternary ammonia poly (2, 6-dimethyl-1, 4-phenylene oxide) (QAPPO), as the surfactant. The AEI coated on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) surfaces serves as a stabilizer to anchor the platinum precursor on rGO surfaces due to electrostatic interactions. As a result, platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) can be easily deposited onto rGO surfaces with a uniform distribution. The remarkable feature of the present synthesis method is that the surfactant, the coated AEI, does not need to be removed from the catalyst, but serves as hydroxide-conductive paths in the catalyst layer, leading to enhanced triple phase boundaries. It is demonstrated that the use of the catalyst obtained with the present method enables a H2/O2 AEMFC to yield a peak power density of 264.8 mW cm-2 at 60 °C, which is 30% higher than that produced from the same fuel cell but with the use of the catalyst synthesized by the conventional synthesis method.

  5. Catalytic Oxidation of Hydroquinone in Aqueous Solution over Bimetallic PdCo Catalyst Supported on Carbon: Effect of Interferents and Electrochemical Measurement.

    PubMed

    Ye, Weichun; Shi, Xuezhao; Zhang, Yane; Hong, Chenghui; Wang, Chunming; Budzianowski, Wojciech M; Xue, Desheng

    2016-02-10

    Palladium-cobalt alloy nanoparticles were synthesized and dispersed on carbon black support, aiming to have a less expensive catalyst. Catalytic behaviors of PdCo/C catalyst for the oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ) with H2O2 in aqueous solution were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results revealed that PdCo/C catalyst had better catalytic activity than an equal amount of commercial Pd/C and Co/C catalysts because of the d-band hybridization between Pd and Co. The effects of pH value, solvent, and various interferents including inorganic and organic compounds on the efficiency of HQ oxidation were further investigated. Furthermore, on the basis of mixed potential theory, comprehensive electrochemical measurements such as the open-circuit potential-time (OCP-t) technique and Tafel plot were efficient to assess the catalytic activity of the catalyst, and the results obtained were consistent with those of HPLC measurements. The efficient HQ oxidation was closely associated with the catalytic activity of PdCo nanoparticles because they accelerated the electron-transfer process and facilitated the generation of OH radicals.

  6. Supported organoiridium catalysts for alkane dehydrogenation

    DOEpatents

    Baker, R. Thomas; Sattelberger, Alfred P.; Li, Hongbo

    2013-09-03

    Solid supported organoiridium catalysts, a process for preparing such solid supported organoiridium catalysts, and the use of such solid supported organoiridium catalysts in dehydrogenation reactions of alkanes is provided. The catalysts can be easily recovered and recycled.

  7. Steam Reforming of Ethylene Glycol over MgAl₂O₄ Supported Rh, Ni, and Co Catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mei, Donghai; Lebarbier, Vanessa M.; Xing, Rong

    Steam reforming of ethylene glycol (EG) over MgAl₂O₄ supported metal (15 wt.% Ni, 5 wt.% Rh, and 15 wt.% Co) catalysts were investigated using combined experimental and theoretical methods. Compared to highly active Rh and Ni catalysts with 100% conversion, the steam reforming activity of EG over the Co catalyst is comparatively lower with only 42% conversion under the same reaction conditions (500°C, 1 atm, 119,000 h⁻¹, S/C=3.3 mol). However, CH₄ selectivity over the Co catalyst is remarkably lower. For example, by varying the gas hour space velocity (GHSV) such that complete conversion is achieved for all the catalysts, CH₄more » selectivity for the Co catalyst is only 8%, which is much lower than the equilibrium CH₄ selectivity of ~ 24% obtained for both the Rh and Ni catalysts. Further studies show that varying H₂O concentration over the Co catalyst has a negligible effect on activity, thus indicating zero-order dependence on H₂O. These experimental results suggest that the supported Co catalyst is a promising EG steam reforming catalyst for high hydrogen production. To gain mechanistic insight for rationalizing the lower CH₃ selectivity observed for the Co catalyst, the initial decomposition reaction steps of ethylene glycol via C-O, O-H, C-H, and C-C bond scissions on the Rh(111), Ni(111) and Co(0001) surfaces were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Despite the fact that the bond scission sequence in the EG decomposition on the three metal surfaces varies, which leads to different reaction intermediates, the lower CH₄ selectivity over the Co catalyst, as compared to the Rh and Ni catalysts, is primarily due to the higher barrier for CH₄ formation. The higher S/C ratio enhances the Co catalyst stability, which can be elucidated by the facile water dissociation and an alternative reaction path to remove the CH species as a coking precursor via the HCOH formation. This work was financially supported by the United States Department of Energy (DOE)’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and performed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). PNNL is a multi-program national laboratory operated for DOE by Battelle Memorial Institute. Computing time and advanced catalyst characterization use was granted by a user proposal at the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL). EMSL is a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research and located at PNNL.« less

  8. Micrometric BN powders used as catalyst support: influence of the precursor on the properties of the BN ceramic

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perdigon-Melon, José Antonio; Auroux, Aline; Guimon, Claude; Bonnetot, Bernard

    2004-02-01

    Thin powders and foams of boron nitride have been prepared from molecular precursors for use as noble metal supports in the catalytic conversion of methane. Different precursors originating from borazines have been tested. The best results were obtained using a precursor derived from trichloroborazine (TCB) which, after reacting with ammonia at room temperature and then thermolyzing up to 1800°C, led to BN powders with a specific area of more than 300 m 2 g -1 and a micrometric spherical texture. Comparable results were obtained using polyborazylene under similar conditions. Aminoborazine-derived precursors did not yield such high specific area ceramics but the BN microstructure resembled a foam with a crystallized skin and amorphous internal part. These differences were related to the chemical mechanism of the conversion of the precursor into BN. Polyhaloborazines and polyborazines yielded BN through gas-solid reactions whereas aminoborazine polymers could be kept waxy up to high temperatures, which favored the glassy foam. Catalysts composed of BN support and platinum have been prepared using two routes: from a mixture of precursor or by impregnation of a BN powder leading to very different catalysts.

  9. The influence of ozone on the photocatalytic degradation of phenol using TiO2 photocatalyst supported by Bayah natural zeolite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sulaiman, Fatah; Sari, Denni Kartika; Kustiningsih, Indar

    2017-05-01

    Effect of ozone on the photocatalytic degradation of phenol using TiO2 photocatalyst which supported Bayah Natural Zeolite has been investigated. Phenol (merk Pro analys) was used as waste solution. TiO2 photocatalyst was obtained from Titanium isopropoxide using sol gel method which supported by Bayah Natural Zeolite. The influence of temperature of calcination and catalyst loading have been conducted. The calcination temperature of photocatalyst was 450°C, 500°C, 550°C dan 600°C while the catalyst loading of 0,1g/L; 0,3 g/L; 0,6 g/L; 1 g/L dan 1,2 g/L. Analysis of phenol concentration was used Hach Spechtrophotometer. To determine the effect of ozone on photocatalytic degradation during process ozone was flowed into reactor. The result showed the optimum calcination temperature was obtained at 500°C. The optimum catalyst loading to degrade the phenolic compounds was equal to 1g/L. In these optimum condition the conversion of phenol degradation was 87% after 5 hours. By adding ozone during the degradation process, the conversion reached 100% after 2 hours.

  10. Suppression of oxygen reduction reaction activity on Pt-based electrocatalysts from ionomer incorporation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shinozaki, Kazuma; Morimoto, Yu; Pivovar, Bryan S.; Kocha, Shyam S.

    2016-09-01

    The impact of Nafion on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is studied for Pt/C and Pt-alloy/C catalysts using thin-film rotating disk electrode (TF-RDE) methods in 0.1 M HClO4. Ultrathin uniform catalyst layers and standardized activity measurement protocols are employed to obtain accurate and reproducible ORR activity. Nafion lowers the ORR activity which plateaus with increasing loading on Pt catalysts. Pt particle size is found not to have significant influence on the extent of the SA decrease upon Nafion incorporation. Catalysts using high surface area carbon (HSC) support exhibit attenuated activity loss resulting from lower ionomer coverage on catalyst particles located within the deep pores. The impact of metallic composition on the activity loss due to Nafion incorporation is also discussed.

  11. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    None

    During this time period, at WVU, we tried several methods to eliminate problems related to condensation of heavier products when reduced Mo-Ni-K/C materials were used as catalysts. We then resumed our kinetic study on the reduced Mo-Ni-K/C catalysts. We have also obtained same preliminary results in our attempts to analyze quantitatively the temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) spectra for C-supported Mo-based catalysts. We have completed the kinetic study for the sulfided Co-K-MoS /C catalyst. We have compared the results of methanol synthesis 2 using the membrane reactor with those using a simple plug-flow reactor. At UCC, the complete characterization of selected catalystsmore » has been completed. The results suggest that catalyst pretreatment under different reducing conditions yield different surface compositions and thus different catalytic reactivities.« less

  12. Effect of the relationship between particle size, inter-particle distance, and metal loading of carbon supported fuel cell catalysts on their catalytic activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Corradini, Patricia Gon; Pires, Felipe I.; Paganin, Valdecir A.; Perez, Joelma; Antolini, Ermete

    2012-09-01

    The effect of the relationship between particle size ( d), inter-particle distance ( x i ), and metal loading ( y) of carbon supported fuel cell Pt or PtRu catalysts on their catalytic activity, based on the optimum d (2.5-3 nm) and x i / d (>5) values, was evaluated. It was found that for y < 30 wt%, the optimum values of both d and x i / d can be always obtained. For y ≥ 30 wt%, instead, the positive effect of a thinner catalyst layer of the fuel cell electrode than that using catalysts with y < 30 wt% is concomitant to a decrease of the effective catalyst surface area due to an increase of d and/or a decrease of x i / d compared to their optimum values, with in turns gives rise to a decrease in the catalytic activity. The effect of the x i / d ratio has been successfully verified by experimental results on ethanol oxidation on PtRu/C catalysts with same particle size and same degree of alloying but different metal loading. Tests in direct ethanol fuel cells showed that, compared to 20 wt% PtRu/C, the negative effect of the lower x i / d on the catalytic activity of 30 and 40 wt% PtRu/C catalysts was superior to the positive effect of the thinner catalyst layer.

  13. Size-dependent effects in supported highly dispersed Fe2O3 catalysts, doped with Pt and Pd

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cherkezova-Zheleva, Zara; Shopska, Maya; Mitov, Ivan; Kadinov, Georgi

    2010-06-01

    Series of Fe and Fe-Me (Me = Pt or Pd) catalyst supported on γ-Al2O3, TiO2 (anatase) or diatomite were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method. The metal loading was 8 wt.% Fe and 0.7 wt.% noble metal. The preparation and pretreatment conditions of all studied samples were kept to be the same. X-ray diffraction, Moessbauer spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature-programmed reduction are used for characterization of the supports and the samples at different steps during their treatment and catalytic tests. The catalytic activity of the samples was tested in the reaction of total benzene oxidation. The physicochemical and catalytic properties of the obtained materials are compared with respect of the different chemical composition, dispersion of used carriers and of the supported phases. Samples with the same composition prepared by mechanical mixing are studied as catalysts for comparison and for clearing up the presence of size-dependent effect, also.

  14. Templated Growth of Pd Nanoparticles Using Sputtering Deposition Process and Its Catalytic Activities.

    PubMed

    Eberhardt, Dario; Migowski, Pedro; Teixeira, Sérgio R; Feil, Adriano F

    2018-03-01

    A simple method based on sputtering deposition of Pd onto mesoporous SiO2 (SBA-15) was employed to produce supported Pd nanoparticles (NPs) that can be used as hydrogenation catalysts. The use of sputtering deposition eliminates contaminants and avoids additional drawbacks of traditional chemical methods applied to prepare heterogeneous supported metal catalysts. A mechanical resonant stirrer was used to revolve the SBA-15 powder and ensure homogeneous distribution of the Pd NPs over the support. The SBA-15 pores act as templates for Pd NPs and drive nanostructure growth. Consequently, the NPs obtained have the same diameter as that of the SBA-15 channels (~5 nm) and elongated particles are formed as sputtering deposition increases. The SBA-15 supported Pd NPs (Pd NPs/SBA-15) were tested in a probe hydrogenation of cyclohexene reaction to evaluate the catalytic activity of the Pd NPs. Turnover frequency (TOF) of 2000 min-1 were achieved with the lower Pd NPs concentration (0.15 wt%) catalyst.

  15. Catalytic Chemistry of Hydrocarbon Conversion Reactions on Metallic Single Crystals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tysoe, Wilfred T.

    The ability to be able to follow the chemistry of adsorbates on model catalyst surfaces has, in principle, allowed us to peer inside the “black box” of a catalytic reaction and understand the pathway. Such a strategy is most simply implemented for well-ordered single crystal model catalysts for which the catalytic reaction proceeds in ultrahigh vacuum. Thus, in order to be a good model for the supported catalyst, the single crystal should catalyze the reactions with kinetics identical to those for the supported system. This chapter focuses on catalytic systems that fulfill these criteria, namely alkene and alkyne hydrogenation and acetylene cyclotrimerization on Pd(111). The surface chemistry and geometries of the reactants in ultrahigh vacuum are explored in detail allowing fundamental insights into the catalytic reaction pathways to be obtained.

  16. Hydrodeoxygenation of vicinal OH groups over heterogeneous rhenium catalyst promoted by palladium and ceria support.

    PubMed

    Ota, Nobuhiko; Tamura, Masazumi; Nakagawa, Yoshinao; Okumura, Kazu; Tomishige, Keiichi

    2015-02-02

    Heterogeneous ReOx-Pd/CeO2 catalyst showed excellent performance for simultaneous hydrodeoxygenation of vicinal OH groups. High yield (>99%), turnover frequency (300 h(-1)), and turnover number (10,000) are achieved in the reaction of 1,4-anhydroerythritol to tetrahydrofuran. This catalyst can be applied to sugar alcohols, and mono-alcohols and diols are obtained in high yields (≥85%) from substrates with even and odd numbers of OH groups, respectively. The high catalytic performance of ReOx-Pd/CeO2 can be assigned to rhenium species with +4 or +5 valence state, and the formation of this species is promoted by H2/Pd and the ceria support. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Modelling and validation of particle size distributions of supported nanoparticles using the pair distribution function technique

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gamez-Mendoza, Liliana; Terban, Maxwell W.; Billinge, Simon J. L.

    The particle size of supported catalysts is a key characteristic for determining structure–property relationships. It is a challenge to obtain this information accurately andin situusing crystallographic methods owing to the small size of such particles (<5 nm) and the fact that they are supported. In this work, the pair distribution function (PDF) technique was used to obtain the particle size distribution of supported Pt catalysts as they grow under typical synthesis conditions. The PDF of Pt nanoparticles grown on zeolite X was isolated and refined using two models: a monodisperse spherical model (single particle size) and a lognormal size distribution.more » The results were compared and validated using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) results. Both models describe the same trends in average particle size with temperature, but the results of the number-weighted lognormal size distributions can also accurately describe the mean size and the width of the size distributions obtained from STEM. Since the PDF yields crystallite sizes, these results suggest that the grown Pt nanoparticles are monocrystalline. This work shows that refinement of the PDF of small supported monocrystalline nanoparticles can yield accurate mean particle sizes and distributions.« less

  18. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Setyopratomo, P., E-mail: puguh-sptm@yahoo.com; Wulan, Praswasti P. D. K., E-mail: wulanmakmur@gmail.com; Sudibandriyo, M., E-mail: msudib@che.ui.ac.id

    Carbon nanotubes were produced by chemical vapor deposition method to meet the specifications for hydrogen storage. So far, the various catalyst had been studied outlining their activities, performances, and efficiencies. In this work, tri-metallic catalyst consist of Fe-Co-Mo supported on MgO was used. The catalyst was prepared by wet-impregnation method. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) was used as carbon source. The synthesis was conducted in atmospheric fixed bed reactor at reaction temperature range 750 – 850 °C for 30 minutes. The impregnation method applied in this study successfully deposed metal component on the MgO support surface. It found that the depositedmore » metal components might partially replace Mg(OH){sub 2} or MgO molecules in their crystal lattice. Compare to the original MgO powder; it was significant increases in pore volume and surface area has occurred during catalyst preparation stages. The size of obtained carbon nanotubes is ranging from about 10.83 nm OD/4.09 nm ID up to 21.84 nm OD/6.51 nm ID, which means that multiwall carbon nanotubes were formed during the synthesis. Yield as much as 2.35 g.CNT/g.catalyst was obtained during 30 minutes synthesis and correspond to carbon nanotubes growth rate of 0.2 μm/min. The BET surface area of the obtained carbon nanotubes is 181.13 m{sup 2}/g and around 50 % of which is contributed by mesopores. Micropore with half pore width less than 1 nm contribute about 10% volume of total micro and mesopores volume of the carbon nanotubes. The existence of these micropores is very important to increase the hydrogen storage capacity of the carbon nanotubes.« less

  19. Transition Metal Phosphide Nanoparticles Supported on SBA-15 as Highly Selective Hydrodeoxygenation Catalysts for the Production of Advanced Biofuels.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yongxing; Ochoa-Hernández, Cristina; de la Peña O'Shea, Víctor A; Pizarro, Patricia; Coronado, Juan M; Serrano, David P

    2015-09-01

    A series of catalysts constituted by nanoparticles of transition metal (M = Fe, Co, Ni and Mo) phosphides (TMP) dispersed on SBA-15 were synthesized by reduction of the corresponding metal phosphate precursors previously impregnated on the mesostructured support. All the samples contained a metal-loading of 20 wt% and with an initial M/P mole ratio of 1, and they were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 sorption, H2-TPR and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Metal phosphide nanocatalysts were tested in a high pressure continuous flow reactor for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of a methyl ester blend containing methyl oleate (C17H33-COO-CH3) as main component (70%). This mixture constitutes a convenient surrogate of triglycerides present in vegetable oils, and following catalytic hydrotreating yields mainly n-alkanes. The results of the catalytic assays indicate that Ni2P/SBA-15 catalyst presents the highest ester conversion, whereas the transformation rate is about 20% lower for MoP/SBA-15. In contrast, catalysts based on Fe and Co phosphides show a rather limited activity. Hydrocarbon distribution in the liquid product suggests that both hydrodeoxygenation and decarboxylation/decarbonylation reactions occur simultaneously over the different catalysts, although MoP/SBA-15 possess a selectivity towards hydrodeoxygenation exceeding 90%. Accordingly, the catalyst based on MoP affords the highest yield of n-octadecane, which is the preferred product in terms of carbon atom economy. Subsequently, in order to conjugate the advantages of both Ni and Mo phosphides, a series of catalysts containing variable proportions of both metals were prepared. The obtained results reveal that the mixed phosphides catalysts present a catalytic behavior intermediate between those of the monometallic phosphides. Accordingly, only marginal enhancement of the yield of n-octadecane is obtained for the catalysts with a Mo/Ni ratio of 3. Nevertheless, owing to this high selectivity for hydrodeoxygenation MoP/SBA-15 appears as a very promising catalyst for the production of advanced biofuels.

  20. In situ supported MnOx-CeOx on carbon nanotubes for the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Dengsong; Zhang, Lei; Shi, Liyi; Fang, Cheng; Li, Hongrui; Gao, Ruihua; Huang, Lei; Zhang, Jianping

    2013-01-01

    The MnOx and CeOx were in situ supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by a poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) assisted reflux route for the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) have been used to elucidate the structure and surface properties of the obtained catalysts. It was found that the in situ prepared catalyst exhibited the highest activity and the most extensive operating-temperature window, compared to the catalysts prepared by impregnation or mechanically mixed methods. The XRD and TEM results indicated that the manganese oxide and cerium oxide species had a good dispersion on the CNT surface. The XPS results demonstrated that the higher atomic concentration of Mn existed on the surface of CNTs and the more chemisorbed oxygen species exist. The H2-TPR results suggested that there was a strong interaction between the manganese oxide and cerium oxide on the surface of CNTs. The NH3-TPD results demonstrated that the catalysts presented a larger acid amount and stronger acid strength. In addition, the obtained catalysts exhibited much higher SO2-tolerance and improved the water-resistance as compared to that prepared by impregnation or mechanically mixed methods.The MnOx and CeOx were in situ supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by a poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) assisted reflux route for the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) have been used to elucidate the structure and surface properties of the obtained catalysts. It was found that the in situ prepared catalyst exhibited the highest activity and the most extensive operating-temperature window, compared to the catalysts prepared by impregnation or mechanically mixed methods. The XRD and TEM results indicated that the manganese oxide and cerium oxide species had a good dispersion on the CNT surface. The XPS results demonstrated that the higher atomic concentration of Mn existed on the surface of CNTs and the more chemisorbed oxygen species exist. The H2-TPR results suggested that there was a strong interaction between the manganese oxide and cerium oxide on the surface of CNTs. The NH3-TPD results demonstrated that the catalysts presented a larger acid amount and stronger acid strength. In addition, the obtained catalysts exhibited much higher SO2-tolerance and improved the water-resistance as compared to that prepared by impregnation or mechanically mixed methods. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: SEM images and EDS analysis, TEM images, and XPS spectrum of samples. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr33006g

  1. Process for Making a Noble Metal on Tin Oxide Catalyst

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Davis, Patricia; Miller, Irvin; Upchurch, Billy

    2010-01-01

    To produce a noble metal-on-metal oxide catalyst on an inert, high-surface-area support material (that functions as a catalyst at approximately room temperature using chloride-free reagents), for use in a carbon dioxide laser, requires two steps: First, a commercially available, inert, high-surface-area support material (silica spheres) is coated with a thin layer of metal oxide, a monolayer equivalent. Very beneficial results have been obtained using nitric acid as an oxidizing agent because it leaves no residue. It is also helpful if the spheres are first deaerated by boiling in water to allow the entire surface to be coated. A metal, such as tin, is then dissolved in the oxidizing agent/support material mixture to yield, in the case of tin, metastannic acid. Although tin has proven especially beneficial for use in a closed-cycle CO2 laser, in general any metal with two valence states, such as most transition metals and antimony, may be used. The metastannic acid will be adsorbed onto the high-surface-area spheres, coating them. Any excess oxidizing agent is then evaporated, and the resulting metastannic acid-coated spheres are dried and calcined, whereby the metastannic acid becomes tin(IV) oxide. The second step is accomplished by preparing an aqueous mixture of the tin(IV) oxide-coated spheres, and a soluble, chloride-free salt of at least one catalyst metal. The catalyst metal may be selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, gold, and rhodium, or other platinum group metals. Extremely beneficial results have been obtained using chloride-free salts of platinum, palladium, or a combination thereof, such as tetraammineplatinum (II) hydroxide ([Pt(NH3)4] (OH)2), or tetraammine palladium nitrate ([Pd(NH3)4](NO3)2).

  2. Enhanced room-temperature catalytic decomposition of formaldehyde on magnesium-aluminum hydrotalcite/boehmite supported platinum nanoparticles catalyst.

    PubMed

    Yan, Zhaoxiong; Yang, Zhihua; Xu, Zhihua; An, Liang; Xie, Fang; Liu, Jiyan

    2018-08-15

    Magnesium-aluminum hydrotalcite (Mg-Al HT)/boehmite (AlOOH) composite supported Pt catalysts were obtained via one-pot microemulsion synthesis of Mg-Al HT/AlOOH composite and NaBH 4 -reduction of Pt precursor processes. The catalytic performances of the catalysts were evaluated for formaldehyde (HCHO) removal at room temperature. The performance tests showed that the catalyst obtained by immobilizing Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on Mg-Al HT/AlOOH support with Al/Mg molar ratio equivalent to 9:1 (Pt/Al 9 Mg 1 ) displayed a superior catalytic activity and stability for HCHO removal. In order to find out the causes of its higher activity, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N 2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature programmed desorption of CO 2 and reduction of H 2 were used to analyze the physicochemical properties of Pt/Al 9 Mg 1 and Pt/AlOOH. The remarkable catalytic performance of Pt/Al 9 Mg 1 is mainly attributed to the relatively larger amount of surface oxygen species, and more reactive oxygen species led by the interaction of Mg-Al HT and AlOOH/Pt, and relatively larger number of weak base sites caused by Mg-Al HT. The formate species are the main reaction intermediate over Pt/Al 9 Mg 1 during HCHO oxidation at room temperature, which could be further oxidized into CO 2 and H 2 O in the presence of O 2 . This study might shed some light on further improving the catalytic performance of the catalyst for indoor air purification at room temperature. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Supported molybdenum oxides as effective catalysts for the catalytic fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

    DOE PAGES

    Murugappan, Karthick; Mukarakate, Calvin; Budhi, Sridhar; ...

    2016-07-12

    The catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of pine was investigated over 10 wt% MoO 3/TiO 2 and MoO 3/ZrO 2 at 500 °C and H 2 pressures ≤ 0.75 bar. The product distributions were monitored in real time using a molecular beam mass spectrometer (MBMS). Both supported MoO 3 catalysts show different levels of deoxygenation based on the cumulative biomass to MoO 3 mass ratio exposed to the catalytic bed. For biomass to MoO 3 mass ratios <1.5, predominantly olefinic and aromatic hydrocarbons are produced with no detectable oxygen-containing species. For ratios ≥ 1.5, partially deoxygenated species comprised of furans andmore » phenols are observed, with a concomitant decrease of olefinic and aromatic hydrocarbons. For ratios ≥ 5, primary pyrolysis vapours break through the bed, indicating the onset of catalyst deactivation. Product quantification with a tandem micropyrolyzer-GCMS setup shows that fresh supported MoO 3 catalysts convert ca. 27 mol% of the original carbon into hydrocarbons comprised predominantly of aromatics (7 C%), olefins (18 C%) and paraffins (2 C%), comparable to the total hydrocarbon yield obtained with HZSM-5 operated under similar reaction conditions. In conclusion, post-reaction XPS analysis on supported MoO 3/ZrO 2 and MoO 3/TiO 2 catalysts reveal that ca. 50% of Mo surface species exist in their partially reduced forms (i.e., Mo 5+ and Mo 3+), and that catalyst deactivation is likely associated to coking.« less

  4. Silicoaluminates as “Support Activator” Systems in Olefin Polymerization Processes

    PubMed Central

    Tabernero, Vanessa; Camejo, Claudimar; Terreros, Pilar; Alba, María Dolores; Cuenca, Tomás

    2010-01-01

    In this work we report the polymerization behaviour of natural clays (montmorillonites, MMT) as activating supports. These materials have been modified by treatment with different aluminium compounds in order to obtain enriched aluminium clays and to modify the global Brönsted/Lewis acidity. As a consequence, the intrinsic structural properties of the starting materials have been changed. These changes were studied and these new materials used for ethylene polymerization using a zirconocene complex as catalyst. All the systems were shown to be active in ethylene polymerization. The catalyst activity and the dependence on acid strength and textural properties have been also studied. The behaviour of an artificial silica (SBA 15) modified with an aluminium compound to obtain a silicoaluminate has been studied, but no ethylene polymerization activity has been found yet.

  5. Catalysts and process development for two-stage liquefaction. First quarterly report, January 1, 1992--March 31, 1992

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cronauer, D.C.; Swanson, A.J.; Sajkowski, D.J.

    Research under way in this project centers upon developing and evaluating catalysts and process improvements for coal liquefaction in the two-stage, close-coupled catalytic process. The project is being carried out under contract to the United States Department of Energy. As discussed in the previous quarterly report, promising results were obtained by liquefying Illinois No. 6 bituminous and Black Thunder subbituminous coals using oil-soluble catalysts Molyvan L and molybdenum octoate. In this quarter, the liquefaction of Black Thunder coal was continued. Runs were made in catalytic/thermal (C/T) mode with supported AMOCAT{trademark} 1C (NiMo) and AMOCAT{trademark} 1B (Mo) catalysts. Although the initialmore » performance in these runs was good (90% conversion with no resid production), both catalysts deactivated rapidly. Spent catalysts showed severe coke deposition as well as formation of a calcium-rich shell on the catalyst surface. Overall, C/T liquefaction is not a good process option for Black Thunder coal.« less

  6. Monolithic catalyst beds for hydrazine reactors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1973-01-01

    A monolithic catalyst bed for monopropellant hydrazine decomposition was evaluated. The program involved the evaluation of a new hydrazine catalyst concept wherein open-celled foamed materials are used as supports for the active catalysts. A high-surface-area material is deposited upon the open-celled foamed material and is then coated with an active metal to provide a spontaneous catalyst. Only a fraction of the amount of expensive active metal in currently available catalysts is needed to promote monolithic catalyst. Numerous parameters were evaluated during the program, and the importance of additional parameters became obvious only while the program was in progress. A demonstration firing (using a 2.2-Newton (N)(0.5-lbf) reactor) successfully accumulated 7,700 seconds of firing time and 16 ambient temperature starts without degradation. Based on the excellent results obtained throughout the program and the demonstrated life capability of the monolithic foam, it is recommended that additional studies be conducted to further exploit the advantages of this concept.

  7. Reducing fischer-tropsch catalyst attrition losses in high agitation reaction systems

    DOEpatents

    Singleton, Alan H.; Oukaci, Rachid; Goodwin, James G.

    2001-01-01

    A method for reducing catalyst attrition losses in hydrocarbon synthesis processes conducted in high agitation reaction systems; a method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst; a catalyst produced by such method; a method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst support; and a catalyst support produced by such method. The inventive method of reducing catalyst attrition losses comprises the step of reacting a synthesis gas in a high agitation reaction system in the presence of a catalyst. In one aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises a .gamma.-alumina support including an amount of titanium effective for increasing the attrition resistance of the catalyst. In another aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises a .gamma.-alumina support which has been treated, after calcination, with an acidic, aqueous solution. The acidic aqueous solution preferably has a pH of not more than about 5. In another aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises cobalt on a .gamma.-alumina support wherein the cobalt has been applied to the .gamma.-alumina support by totally aqueous, incipient wetness-type impregnation. In another aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises cobalt on a .gamma.-alumina support with an amount of a lanthana promoter effective for increasing the attrition resistance of the catalyst. In another aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises a .gamma.-alumina support produced from boehmite having a crystallite size, in the 021 plane, in the range of from about 30 to about 55 .ANG.ngstrons. In another aspect, the inventive method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst comprises the step of treating a .gamma.-alumina support, after calcination of and before adding catalytic material to the support, with an acidic solution effective for increasing the attrition resistance of the catalyst. In another aspect, the inventive method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst support comprises the step of treating calcined .gamma.-alumina with an acidic, aqueous solution effective for increasing the attrition resistance of the .gamma.-alumina.

  8. Heterogeneous enantioselective hydrogenation of beta-keto esters using chirally modified supported Ni nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Acharya, Sushma

    Enantioselective heterogeneous catalysis is an important and rapidly expanding research area. The two most heavily researched examples of this type of catalysis are the enantioselective hydrogenation of α-keto-esters over Pt-based catalysts and the enantioselective hydrogenation of β-keto-esters over Ni-based catalysts. These enantioselective surface reactions are controlled by the presence of adsorbed chiral molecules i.e. tartaric acid on the surface of the metal component of the catalyst. The work presented in this thesis focuses on two parts, the synthesis of pure nickel nanoparticles and enantioselective behavior of the modified nickel nanoparticles. The works on the synthesis of pure nickel nanoparticles were carried out using two methods, the reverse microemulsion and the reduction method. It was discovered that the reverse microemulsion method produced nickel oxide nanoparticles, whereas the reduction method produced pure nickel nanoparticles. Chiral modifications of Raney nickel (RNi) and C-supported catalysts were studied. The catalysts were employed in enantioselective hydrogenation of methyl acetoacetate (MAA) to (R) - and (S)-enantiomers of methyl 3-hydroxybutyrate (MHB). The effects of modification and hydrogenation parameters such as concentration of modifier temperature, pressure and solvent on the enantioselectivity of MAA hydrogenation were discussed. For RNi methanol was found to be the best solvent, with tartaric acid concentration 0.2 mol/L for achieving the highest enantiomeric excess under 8 bar at 70 oC. Characteristic features of the in-situ modification of Raney nickel and C-supported Ni were also evaluated and the results obtained were compared with the conventional (pre-modification) approach. Parameters for the conventional and in-situ methods were optimised in a series of experiments for both types of catalysts. The in-situ modified catalyst was found more active for both RNi and C-supported catalysts with 98 % and 42% enantiomeric excess, respectively.

  9. Characterization of double oxide system Cu-Cr-O supported on γ-Al2O3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cherkezova-Zheleva, Z.; Kolev, H.; Krstić, J.; Dimitrov, D.; Ivanov, K.; Loncarević, D.; Jovanović, D.; Mitov, I.

    2009-09-01

    Series of alumina supported chromium-copper catalysts were prepared by co-impregnation method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Dispersion and porosity was also obtained. The experimental and catalytic test results have drawn a conclusion that an interaction between copper and chromium ions takes place. This interaction is responsible for the enhanced catalytic activity of studied catalysts in reaction of total oxidation of industrial formaldehyde production exhaust gas, which contains CO, dimethyl ether and methanol as main components.

  10. Oxidative coupling of methane over a Sr-promoted La{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst supported on a low surface area porous catalyst carrier

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Choudhary, V.R.; Uphade, B.S.; Mulla, S.A.R.

    1997-09-01

    Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) to higher hydrocarbons over Sr-promoted La{sub 2}O{sub 3} supported on commercial low surface area porous catalyst carriers at 800 and 850 C and a space velocity of 102,000 cm{sup 3}/g{center_dot}h has been thoroughly investigated. Effects of support, catalyst particle size, linear gas velocity, Sr/La ratio, CH{sub 4}/O{sub 2} ratio in the feed, and catalyst dilution by inert solid particles on the conversion, yield, or selectivity and product ratios (C{sub 2}H{sub 4}/C{sub 2}H{sub 6} and CO/CO{sub 2}) in the OCM process have been studied. The catalysts have been characterized for their basicity, acidity, and oxygen chemisorptionmore » by the TPD of CO{sub 2}, ammonia, and oxygen, respectively, from 50 to 950 C and also characterized for their surface area. The supported catalysts showed better performance than the unsupported one. The best OCM results (obtained over Sr-La{sub 2}O{sub 3}/SA-5205 with a Sr/La ratio of 0.3 at a space velocity of 102,000 cm{sup 3}/g{center_dot}h) are 30.1% CH{sub 4} conversion with 65.6% selectivity for C{sub 2+} (or 19.7% C{sub 2+}-yield) at 850 C (CH{sub 4}/O{sub 2} = 16.0). The basicity is strongly influenced by the Sr/La ratio; the supported catalysts showed the best performance for their Sr/La ratio of about 0.3. The methane/O{sub 2} ratio also showed a strong influence for their Sr/La ratio of about 0.3. The methane/O{sub 2} ratio also showed a strong influence on the OCM process. However, the influence of linear gas velocity and particle size is found to be small; it results mainly from the temperature gradient in the catalyst. The catalyst dilution has beneficial effects for achieving a higher C{sub 2}H{sub 4}/C{sub 2}H{sub 6} ratio and also for reducing the hazardous nature of the OCM process because of the coupling of the exothermic oxidative conversion reactions and the endothermic thermal cracking reactions and also due to the increased heat transfer area.« less

  11. Suppression of oxygen reduction reaction activity on Pt-based electrocatalysts from ionomer incorporation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shinozaki, Kazuma; Morimoto, Yu; Pivovar, Bryan S.

    The impact of Nafion on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is studied for Pt/C and Pt-alloy/C catalysts using thin-film rotating disk electrode (TF-RDE) methods in 0.1 M HClO4. Ultrathin uniform catalyst layers and standardized activity measurement protocols are employed to obtain accurate and reproducible ORR activity. Nafion lowers the ORR activity which plateaus with increasing loading on Pt catalysts. Pt particle size is found not to have significant influence on the extent of the SA decrease upon Nafion incorporation. Catalysts using high surface area carbon (HSC) support exhibit attenuated activity loss resulting from lower ionomer coverage on catalyst particlesmore » located within the deep pores. The impact of metallic composition on the activity loss due to Nafion incorporation is also discussed.« less

  12. Durability testing at one atmosphere of advanced catalysts and catalyst supports for automotive gas turbine engine combustors, part 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Heck, R. M.; Chang, M.; Hess, H.; Carrubba, R.

    1977-01-01

    The durability of catalysts and catalyst supports in a combustion environment was experimentally demonstrated. A test of 1000 hours duration was completed with two catalysts, using diesel fuel and operating at catalytically supported thermal combustion conditions. The performance of the catalysts was determined by monitoring emissions throughout the test, and by examining the physical condition of the catalyst core at the conclusion of the test. The test catalysts proved to be capable of low emissions operation after 1000 hours diesel aging, with no apparent physical degradation of the catalyst support.

  13. Cobalt-supported alumina as catalytic film prepared by electrophoretic deposition for hydrogen release applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chamoun, R.; Demirci, U. B.; Cornu, D.; Zaatar, Y.; Khoury, A.; Khoury, R.; Miele, P.

    2010-10-01

    Shaped catalysts are crucial for technological applications. In this context, we have developed Co-αAl 2O 3 catalyst films deposited over Cu plates to be used in hydrogen generation by hydrolysis of sodium borohydride NaBH 4 in alkaline solution. The Co-αAl 2O 3 films were prepared by electrophoretic deposition according to six different routes. While five of them failed in fabricating adhering films, the sixth route, consisting of electrodepositing Co-impregnated αAl 2O 3, showed promising results. The as-obtained shaped catalysts were stable when hydrogen vigorously bubbled and catalyzed the NaBH 4 hydrolysis with attractive hydrogen generation rates. These results open an alternative route for preparing shaped catalysts in this reaction.

  14. Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: Effect of ammonia on supported cobalt catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pendyala, Venkat Ramana Rao; Jacobs, Gary; Bertaux, Clement

    The effect of ammonia in syngas on the performance of various supported cobalt catalysts (i.e., Al 2O 3, TiO 2 and SiO 2) was investigated during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The addition of ammonia (10 ppmv NH 3) caused a significant deactivation for all supported cobalt catalysts, but the rate of deactivation was higher for the silica-supported catalysts relative to the alumina and titania-supported catalysts used in this work. Ammonia addition had a positive effect on product selectivity (i.e., lower light gas products and higher C 5+) for alumina and titania-supported catalysts compared tomore » ammonia free conditions, whereas, the addition of ammonia increased lighter hydrocarbon (C 1-C 4) products and decreased higher hydrocarbon (C 5+) selectivity compared to ammonia-free synthesis conditions for the silica-supported catalyst. For alumina and titania-supported catalysts, the activity almost recovered with mild in-situ hydrogen treatment of the ammonia exposed catalysts. For the silica-supported catalyst, the loss of activity is somewhat irreversible (i.e., cannot be regained after the mild hydrogen treatment). Addition of ammonia led to a significant loss in BET surface area and changes in pore diameter (consistent with pore collapse of a fraction of pores into the microporous range as described in the literature), as well as formation of catalytically inactive cobalt support compounds for the silica-supported catalyst. On the other hand, the pore characteristics of alumina and titania-supported catalysts were not significantly changed. In conclusion, XANES results of the ammonia exposed silica-supported catalysts further confirm the formation of cobalt-support compounds (cobalt silicates).« less

  15. Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: Effect of ammonia on supported cobalt catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    Pendyala, Venkat Ramana Rao; Jacobs, Gary; Bertaux, Clement; ...

    2016-02-22

    The effect of ammonia in syngas on the performance of various supported cobalt catalysts (i.e., Al 2O 3, TiO 2 and SiO 2) was investigated during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The addition of ammonia (10 ppmv NH 3) caused a significant deactivation for all supported cobalt catalysts, but the rate of deactivation was higher for the silica-supported catalysts relative to the alumina and titania-supported catalysts used in this work. Ammonia addition had a positive effect on product selectivity (i.e., lower light gas products and higher C 5+) for alumina and titania-supported catalysts compared tomore » ammonia free conditions, whereas, the addition of ammonia increased lighter hydrocarbon (C 1-C 4) products and decreased higher hydrocarbon (C 5+) selectivity compared to ammonia-free synthesis conditions for the silica-supported catalyst. For alumina and titania-supported catalysts, the activity almost recovered with mild in-situ hydrogen treatment of the ammonia exposed catalysts. For the silica-supported catalyst, the loss of activity is somewhat irreversible (i.e., cannot be regained after the mild hydrogen treatment). Addition of ammonia led to a significant loss in BET surface area and changes in pore diameter (consistent with pore collapse of a fraction of pores into the microporous range as described in the literature), as well as formation of catalytically inactive cobalt support compounds for the silica-supported catalyst. On the other hand, the pore characteristics of alumina and titania-supported catalysts were not significantly changed. In conclusion, XANES results of the ammonia exposed silica-supported catalysts further confirm the formation of cobalt-support compounds (cobalt silicates).« less

  16. Catalyst Of A Metal Heteropoly Acid Salt That Is Insoluble In A Polar Solvent On A Non-Metallic Porous Support And Method Of Making

    DOEpatents

    Wang. Yong; Peden. Charles H. F.; Choi. Saemin

    2004-11-09

    The present invention includes a catalyst having (a) a non-metallic support having a plurality of pores; (b) a metal heteropoly acid salt that is insoluble in a polar solvent on the non-metallic support; wherein at least a portion of the metal heteropoly acid salt is dispersed within said plurality of pores. The present invention also includes a method of depositing a metal heteropoly acid salt that is insoluble in a polar solvent onto a non-metallic support having a plurality of pores. The method has the steps of: (a) obtaining a first solution containing a first precursor of a metal salt cation; (b) obtaining a second solution containing a second precursor of a heteropoly acid anion in a solvent having a limited dissolution potential for said first precursor; (c) impregnating the non-metallic support with the first precursor forming a first precursor deposit within the plurality of pores, forming a first precursor impregnated support; (d) heating said first precursor impregnated support forming a bonded first precursor impregnated support; (e) impregnating the second precursor that reacts with the precursor deposit and forms the metal heteropoly acid salt.

  17. Catalyst of a metal heteropoly acid salt that is insoluble in a polar solvent on a non-metallic porous support and method of making

    DOEpatents

    Wang, Yong [Richland, WA; Peden, Charles H. F. [West Richland, WA; Choi, Saemin [Richland, WA

    2002-10-29

    The present invention includes a catalyst having (a) a non-metallic support having a plurality of pores; (b) a metal heteropoly acid salt that is insoluble in a polar solvent on the non-metallic support; wherein at least a portion of the metal heteropoly acid salt is dispersed within said plurality of pores. The present invention also includes a method of depositing a metal heteropoly acid salt that is insoluble in a polar solvent onto a non-metallic support having a plurality of pores. The method has the steps of: (a) obtaining a first solution containing a first precursor of a metal salt cation; (b) obtaining a second solution containing a second precursor of a heteropoly acid anion in a solvent having a limited dissolution potential for said first precursor; (c) impregnating the non-metallic support with the first precursor forming a first precursor deposit within the plurality of pores, forming a first precursor impregnated support; (d) heating said first precursor impregnated support forming a bonded first precursor impregnated support; (e) impregnating the second precursor that reacts with the precursor deposit and forms the metal heteropoly acid salt.

  18. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    During this time period, at WVU, the authors have obtained models for the kinetics of the HAS (higher alcohol synthesis) reaction over the Co-K-MoS{sub 2}/C catalyst. The Rotoberty reactor was then replaced in the reactor system by a plug-flow tubular reactor. Accordingly, the authors re-started the investigations on sulfide catalysts. The authors encountered and solved the leak problem from the sampling valve for the non-sulfided reactor system. They also modified the system to eliminate the condensation problem. Accordingly, they are continuing their kinetic studies on the reduced Mo-Ni-K/C catalysts. They have set up an apparatus for temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) studies,more » and have obtained some interesting results on TPR characterizations. At UCC, the complete characterization of selected catalysts has been started. The authors sent nine selected types of ZnO, Zn/CrO and Zn/Cr/MnO catalysts and supports for BET surface area, SEM, XRD and ICP. They also sent fresh and spent samples of the Engelhard Zn/CrO catalyst impregnated with 3 wt% potassium for ISS and XPS testing. In Task 2, work on the design and optimization portion of this task, as well as on the fuel testing, is completed. All funds have been expended and there are no personnel working on this project.« less

  19. Conversion of Methane into Methanol and Ethanol over Nickel Oxide on Ceria-Zirconia Catalysts in a Single Reactor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Okolie, Chukwuemeka; Belhseine, Yasmeen F.; Lyu, Yimeng

    Direct conversion of methane into alcohols is a promising technology for converting stranded methane reserves into liquids that can be transported in pipelines and upgraded to value-added chemicals. We demonstrate that a catalyst consisting of small nickel oxide clusters supported on ceria-zirconia (NiO/CZ) can selectively oxidize methane to methanol and ethanol in a single, steady-state process at 723 K using O2 as an abundantly available oxidant. The presence of steam is required to obtain alcohols rather than CO2 as the product of catalytic combustion. The unusual activity of this catalyst is attributed to the synergy between the small Lewis acidicmore » NiO clusters and the redox-active CZ support, which also stabilizes the small NiO clusters.« less

  20. Conversion of Methane to Methanol and Ethanol over Nickel Oxide on Ceria-Zirconia Catalysts in a Single Reactor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Okolie, Chukwuemeka; Belhseine, Yasmeen F.; Lyu, Yimeng

    Here, the conversion of methane into alcohols under moderate reaction conditions is a promising technology for converting stranded methane reserves into liquids that can be transported in pipelines and upgraded to value-added chemicals. We demonstrate that a catalyst consisting of small nickel oxide clusters supported on ceria-zirconia (NiO/CZ) can convert methane to methanol and ethanol in a single, steady-state process at 723 K using O 2 as an abundantly available oxidant. The presence of steam is required to obtain alcohols rather than CO 2 as the product of catalytic combustion. The unusual activity of this catalyst is attributed to themore » synergy between the small Lewis acidic NiO clusters and the redox-active CZ support, which also stabilizes the small NiO clusters.« less

  1. Conversion of Methane to Methanol and Ethanol over Nickel Oxide on Ceria-Zirconia Catalysts in a Single Reactor

    DOE PAGES

    Okolie, Chukwuemeka; Belhseine, Yasmeen F.; Lyu, Yimeng; ...

    2017-08-08

    Here, the conversion of methane into alcohols under moderate reaction conditions is a promising technology for converting stranded methane reserves into liquids that can be transported in pipelines and upgraded to value-added chemicals. We demonstrate that a catalyst consisting of small nickel oxide clusters supported on ceria-zirconia (NiO/CZ) can convert methane to methanol and ethanol in a single, steady-state process at 723 K using O 2 as an abundantly available oxidant. The presence of steam is required to obtain alcohols rather than CO 2 as the product of catalytic combustion. The unusual activity of this catalyst is attributed to themore » synergy between the small Lewis acidic NiO clusters and the redox-active CZ support, which also stabilizes the small NiO clusters.« less

  2. Influence of peracetic acid modification on the physicochemical properties of activated carbon and its performance in the ozone-catalytic oxidation of gaseous benzene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fang, Ruimei; Huang, Haibao; Huang, Wenjun; Ji, Jian; Feng, Qiuyu; Shu, Yajie; Zhan, Yujie; Liu, Gaoyuan; Xie, Ruijie

    2017-10-01

    Coal based activated carbon (AC) was pretreated by peracetic acid solution and used for supporting Mn catalyst towards oxidation of gaseous benzene by catalytic ozonation. The as-obtained activated carbon was characterized by XPS, BET, SEM, and TG technologies. It indicates that peracetic acid solution modification not only raised the quantity of chemisorbed oxygen or water, and hydroxyl group on activated carbon material surface, but also increased the specific surface area and benzene adsorption capacity of activated carbon. Benzene could be completely removed in 300 min and CO2 selectivity reached to 61.9% over Mn/AC-modified catalyst. A possible catalytic ozonation mechanism of activated carbon which was treated by peracetic acid solution supported Mn catalyst for oxidation of benzene was proposed.

  3. Sulfur-Doping Templated Synthesis of Nanoporous Graphitic Nanocages and Its Supported Catalysts for Efficient Methanol Oxidation.

    PubMed

    Sheng, Zhao Min; Hong, Cheng Yang; Dai, Xian You; Chang, Cheng Kang; Chen, Jian Bin; Liu, Yan

    2015-04-01

    We demonstrate a new sulfur (S)-doping templated approach to fabricate highly nanoporous graphitic nanocages (GNCs) by air-oxidizing the templates in the graphitic shells to create nanopores. Sulfur can be introduced, when Fe@C core-shell nanoparticles are prepared and then S-doped GNCs can be obtained by removing their ferrous cores. Due to removing S-template, both the specific surface area (from 540 to 850 m2 g(-1)) and the mesopore volume (from 0.44 to 0.9 cm3 g(-1)) of the graphitic nanocages have sharply risen. Its high specific surface area improves catalyst loading to provide more reaction electro-active sites while its high mesopore volume pro- motes molecule diffusion across the nanocages, making it an excellent material to support Pt/Ru catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells.

  4. Correlation between theoretical descriptor and catalytic oxygen reduction activity of graphene supported palladium and palladium alloy electrocatalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seo, Min Ho; Choi, Sung Mook; Lee, Dong Un; Kim, Won Bae; Chen, Zhongwei

    2015-12-01

    The oxygen reduction reaction, ORR, performances of graphene-supported palladium (Pd) and palladium alloys (Pd3X: X = Ag, Co and Fe) catalysts with highly dispersed catalyst particles are investigated in acidic and alkaline conditions using a rotating disk electrode, RDE. Graphene nanosheet, GNS, supported Pd based catalysts are fabricated without surfactant through the impregnation of Pd and 2nd metal precursors on GNS, leading to small and uniformly dispersed nanoparticles, even when high metal loading of up to 60 wt.% are deposited on supports. The ab-initio density functional theory, DFT, calculations, which are based on the d-band center theory, have been applied to correlate with the results of the ORR performances obtained by half-cell tests. Additionally, the cohesive energy, Ecoh, and dissolution potential, Um, for the Pd nanoparticles have been calculated to understand thermodynamic stability. To elucidate the d-band center shift, the Pd 3d5/2 core-level binding energies for Pd/GNS, Pd3Ag/GNS, Pd3Fe/GNS and Pd3Co/GNS have been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS. The GNS-supported Pd, or Pd-based alloy-nanoparticle catalyst shows good ORR activity under acidic and alkaline conditions, suggesting it may offer potential replacement for Pt for use in cathode electrodes of anion-exchange membrane fuel cell, AEMFC, and acid based polymer electrolyte fuel cell, PEMFC.

  5. Photocatalytic degradation of humic acids using substrate-supported Fe³⁺-doped TiO₂ nanotubes under UV/O₃ for water purification.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Rongfang; Zhou, Beihai; Zhang, Xuemin; Guan, Huanhuan

    2015-11-01

    In this paper, Fe(3+)-doped TiO2 nanotubes (Fe-TNTs) were successfully synthesized using hydrothermal method. Four different types of substrates, more specifically, ceramsite, zeolite, activated alumina, and activated carbon (AC), have been investigated in the study. The substrate-supported Fe-TNTs were used to effectively decompose humic acids (HAs) in water under O3/UV conditions. The experiment results show that the highest photocatalytic activity was obtained in the presence of AC-supported 1.0 atomic percent (at.%) Fe-TNTs calcined at 500 °C, as HAs was removed by 97.4%, with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.126/min. The removal efficiencies of HAs reduced when the catalysts was repeatedly used, since the amount of adsorption sites of the supporting substrates decreased. However, even after the catalyst was repeatedly used for five times, the removal efficiency of HAs in the presence of AC-supported catalyst, which was 78.5%, was still sufficient in water treatment. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of AC-supported Fe-TNTs was related to a synergistic effect of AC adsorption and Fe-TNT photocatalytic ozonation.

  6. Catalysis on Single Supported Atoms

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    DeBusk, Melanie Moses; Narula, Chaitanya Kumar

    2015-01-01

    The highly successful application of supported metals as heterogeneous catalysts in automotive catalysts, fuel cells, and other multitudes of industrial processes have led to extensive efforts to understand catalyst behavior at the nano-scale. Recent discovery of simple wet methods to prepare single supported atoms, the smallest nano-catalyst, has allowed for experimental validation of catalytic activity of a variety of catalysts and potential for large scale production for such catalysts for industrial processes. In this chapter, we summarize the synthetic and structural aspects of single supported atoms. We also present proposed mechanisms for the activity of single supported catalysts where conventionalmore » mechanisms cannot operate due to lack of M-M bonds in the catalysts.« less

  7. A study of the dispersity of iron oxide and iron oxide-noble metal (Me = Pd, Pt) supported systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cherkezova-Zheleva, Z. P.; Shopska, M. G.; Krstić, J. B.; Jovanović, D. M.; Mitov, I. G.; Kadinov, G. B.

    2007-09-01

    Samples of one-(Fe) and two-component (Fe-Pd and Fe-Pt) catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of four different supports: TiO2 (anatase), γ-Al2O3, activated carbon, and diatomite. The chosen synthesis conditions resulted in the formation of nanosized supported phases—iron oxide (in the one-component samples), or iron oxide-noble metal (in the two-component ones). Different agglomeration degrees of these phases were obtained as a result of thermal treatment. Ultradisperse size of the supported phase was maintained in some samples, while a process of partial agglomeration occurred in others, giving rise to nearly bidisperse (ultra-and highdisperse) supported particles. The different texture of the used supports and their chemical composition are the reasons for the different stability of the nanosized supported phases. The samples were tested as heterogeneous catalysts in total benzene oxidation reaction.

  8. Catalytic Activity of Nanosized CuO-ZnO Supported on Titanium Chips in Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Methyl Alcohol.

    PubMed

    Ahn, Ho-Geun; Lee, Hwan-Gyu; Chung, Min-Chul; Park, Kwon-Pil; Kim, Ki-Joong; Kang, Byeong-Mo; Jeong, Woon-Jo; Jung, Sang-Chul; Lee, Do-Jin

    2016-02-01

    In this study, titanium chips (TC) generated from industrial facilities was utilized as TiO2 support for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methyl alcohol (CH3OH) over Cu-based catalysts. Nano-sized CuO and ZnO catalysts were deposited on TiO2 support using a co-precipitation (CP) method (CuO-ZnO/TiO2), where the thermal treatment of TC and the particle size of TiC2 are optimized on CO2 conversion under different reaction temperature and contact time. Direct hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH over CuO-ZnO/TiO2 catalysts was achieved and the maximum selectivity (22%) and yield (18.2%) of CH3OH were obtained in the range of reaction temperature 210-240 degrees C under the 30 bar. The selectivity was readily increased by increasing the flow rate, which does not affect much to the CO2 conversion and CH3OH yield.

  9. Ziegler-Natta Catalyst Based on MgCl₂/Clay/ID/TiCl₄ for the Synthesis of Spherical Particles of Polypropylene Nanocomposites.

    PubMed

    Cardoso, Renata da Silva; Oliveira, Jaqueline da Silva; Ramis, Luciana Bortolin; Marques, Maria de Fátima V

    2018-07-01

    In the present work, we have designed MgCl2/clay/internal donor (ID)/TiCl4 based bisupported Ziegler-Natta catalysts containing varying amounts of organoclay (montmorillonite) in order to synthesize spherical particles of polypropylene/clay nanocomposites (PCN). The organoclay was introduced into the catalyst support formulation and PCN was obtained using the in situ polymerization technique. Decreasing the reaction time, it was possible to obtain nanocomposites with high concentrations of clay (masterbatches). Micrographs of SEM confirmed the spherical morphology of the catalysts. In addition, XRD patterns show that the active sites for polymerization were inserted in the clay galleries. The catalytic performance was evaluated in slurry propylene polymerization using triethylaluminium as cocatalyst and silane as external electron donor at 70 °C, 4 bar, and different reaction times. The PCNs obtained containing different clay amounts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses, transmission electronic microscopy, and extractables in heptane. The results revealed that the synthesized PP/clay particles were also spherical showing that the morphological control is possible even using catalysts containing high amounts of clay. The PCN presented high degradation temperature (459 °C). The XRD peak related to the clay interlamellar distance has shifted to lower angles, and TEM images confirmed the formation of exfoliated/intercalated clay on the PP matrix and absence of microparticles of clay.

  10. Impregnated active carbons to control atmospheric emissions: influence of impregnation methodology and raw material on the catalytic activity.

    PubMed

    Alvim-Ferraz, Maria C M; Gaspar, Carla M T B

    2005-08-15

    Previous studies have reported the influence of raw material on the catalytic activity of metal oxides impregnated in activated carbons. However, knowledge was as yet quite scarce for impregnation performed before activation. The main objective of the study here reported was the development of such knowledge. Olive stones, pinewood sawdust, nutshells, and almond shells were recycled to prepare the activated carbons. Transition metal oxides (CoO, Co3O4, and CrO3) were impregnated aiming to prepare activated carbons to be used for the complete catalytic oxidation of benzene. When impregnation was performed after activation the impregnated species were deposited on the internal surface, blocking part of the initial porous texture. When impregnation was performed before activation, the metal species acted as catalysts during the activation step, allowing better catalyst distribution on a more well-developed mesoporous texture. Co3O4 was the best catalyst and almond shells were the best support. With this catalyst/support pair a conversion of 90% was possible at 404 K, the lowest temperature of all the carbons studied. Good conversions were obtained at temperatures that guarantee carbon stability (lower than 575 K). It was concluded that activated carbon was a suitable support for metal oxide catalysts aiming for the complete oxidation of benzene, especially when a suitable porous texture is induced, by performing the impregnation step before activation.

  11. Process of making supported catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Schwarz, James A.; Subramanian, Somasundaram

    1992-01-01

    Oxide supported metal catalysts have an additional metal present in intimate association with the metal catalyst to enhance catalytic activity. In a preferred mode, iridium or another Group VIII metal catalyst is supported on a titania, alumina, tungsten oxide, silica, or composite oxide support. Aluminum ions are readsorbed onto the support and catalyst, and reduced during calcination. The aluminum can be added as aluminum nitrate to the iridium impregnate solution, e.g. chloroiridic acid.

  12. Titanium Dioxide as a Catalyst Support in Heterogeneous Catalysis

    PubMed Central

    Bagheri, Samira; Muhd Julkapli, Nurhidayatullaili; Bee Abd Hamid, Sharifah

    2014-01-01

    The lack of stability is a challenge for most heterogeneous catalysts. During operations, the agglomeration of particles may block the active sites of the catalyst, which is believed to contribute to its instability. Recently, titanium oxide (TiO2) was introduced as an alternative support material for heterogeneous catalyst due to the effect of its high surface area stabilizing the catalysts in its mesoporous structure. TiO2 supported metal catalysts have attracted interest due to TiO2 nanoparticles high activity for various reduction and oxidation reactions at low pressures and temperatures. Furthermore, TiO2 was found to be a good metal oxide catalyst support due to the strong metal support interaction, chemical stability, and acid-base property. The aforementioned properties make heterogeneous TiO2 supported catalysts show a high potential in photocatalyst-related applications, electrodes for wet solar cells, synthesis of fine chemicals, and others. This review focuses on TiO2 as a support material for heterogeneous catalysts and its potential applications. PMID:25383380

  13. [Removal Characteristics of Elemental Mercury by Mn-Ce/molecular Sieve].

    PubMed

    Tan, Zeng-qiang; Niu, Guo-ping; Chen, Xiao-wen; An, Zhen

    2015-06-01

    The impregnation method was used to support molecular sieve with active manganese and cerium components to obtain a composite molecular sieve catalyst. The mercury removal performance of the catalyst was studied with a bench-scale setup. XPS analysis was used to characterize the sample before and after the modification in order to study the changes in the active components of the catalyst prepared. The results showed that the catalyst carrying manganese and cerium components had higher oxidation ability of elemental mercury in the temperature range of 300 degrees C - 450 degrees C, especially at 450 degrees C, the oxidation efficiency of elemental mercury was kept above 80%. The catalyst had more functional groups that were conducive to the oxidation of elemental mercury, and the mercury removal mainly depended on the chemical adsorption. The SO2 and NO in flue gas could inhibit the oxidation of elemental mercury to certain extent.

  14. PdCo supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes as an anode catalyst in a microfluidic formic acid fuel cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morales-Acosta, D.; Morales-Acosta, M. D.; Godinez, L. A.; Álvarez-Contreras, L.; Duron-Torres, S. M.; Ledesma-García, J.; Arriaga, L. G.

    This work reports the synthesis of Pd-based alloys of Co and their evaluation as anode materials in a microfluidic formic acid fuel cell (μFAFC). The catalysts were prepared using the impregnation method followed by thermal treatment. The synthesized catalysts contain 22 wt.% Pd on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Pd/MWCNT) and its alloys with two Co atomic percent in the sample with 4 at.% Co (PdCo1/MWCNT) and 10 at.% Co (PdCo2/MWCNT). The role of the alloying element was determined by XRD and XPS techniques. Both catalysts were evaluated as anode materials in a μFAFC operating with different concentrations of HCOOH (0.1 and 0.5 M), and the results were compared to those obtained with Pd/MWCNT. A better performance was obtained for the cell using PdCo1/MWCNT (1.75 mW cm -2) compared to Pd/MWCNT (0.85 mW cm -2) in the presence of 0.5 M HCOOH. By means of external electrode measurements, it was also possible to observe shifts in the formic acid oxidation potential due to a fuel concentration increment (ca. 0.05 V for both PdCo1/MWCNT and PdCo2/MWCNT catalysts and 0.23 V for Pd/MWCNT) that was attributed to deactivation of the catalyst material. The maximum current densities obtained were 8 mA cm -2 and 5.2 mA cm -2 for PdCo2/MWCNT and Pd/MWCNT, respectively. In this way, the addition of Co to the Pd catalyst was shown to improve the tolerance of intermediates produced during formic acid oxidation that tend to poison Pd, thus improving the catalytic activity and stability of the cell.

  15. Modelling and validation of particle size distributions of supported nanoparticles using the pair distribution function technique

    DOE PAGES

    Gamez-Mendoza, Liliana; Terban, Maxwell W.; Billinge, Simon J. L.; ...

    2017-04-13

    The particle size of supported catalysts is a key characteristic for determining structure–property relationships. It is a challenge to obtain this information accurately and in situ using crystallographic methods owing to the small size of such particles (<5 nm) and the fact that they are supported. In this work, the pair distribution function (PDF) technique was used to obtain the particle size distribution of supported Pt catalysts as they grow under typical synthesis conditions. The PDF of Pt nanoparticles grown on zeolite X was isolated and refined using two models: a monodisperse spherical model (single particle size) and a lognormalmore » size distribution. The results were compared and validated using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) results. Both models describe the same trends in average particle size with temperature, but the results of the number-weighted lognormal size distributions can also accurately describe the mean size and the width of the size distributions obtained from STEM. Since the PDF yields crystallite sizes, these results suggest that the grown Pt nanoparticles are monocrystalline. As a result, this work shows that refinement of the PDF of small supported monocrystalline nanoparticles can yield accurate mean particle sizes and distributions.« less

  16. Modelling and validation of particle size distributions of supported nanoparticles using the pair distribution function technique

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gamez-Mendoza, Liliana; Terban, Maxwell W.; Billinge, Simon J. L.

    The particle size of supported catalysts is a key characteristic for determining structure–property relationships. It is a challenge to obtain this information accurately and in situ using crystallographic methods owing to the small size of such particles (<5 nm) and the fact that they are supported. In this work, the pair distribution function (PDF) technique was used to obtain the particle size distribution of supported Pt catalysts as they grow under typical synthesis conditions. The PDF of Pt nanoparticles grown on zeolite X was isolated and refined using two models: a monodisperse spherical model (single particle size) and a lognormalmore » size distribution. The results were compared and validated using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) results. Both models describe the same trends in average particle size with temperature, but the results of the number-weighted lognormal size distributions can also accurately describe the mean size and the width of the size distributions obtained from STEM. Since the PDF yields crystallite sizes, these results suggest that the grown Pt nanoparticles are monocrystalline. As a result, this work shows that refinement of the PDF of small supported monocrystalline nanoparticles can yield accurate mean particle sizes and distributions.« less

  17. Rational approach to polymer-supported catalysts: synergy between catalytic reaction mechanism and polymer design.

    PubMed

    Madhavan, Nandita; Jones, Christopher W; Weck, Marcus

    2008-09-01

    Supported catalysis is emerging as a cornerstone of transition metal catalysis, as environmental awareness necessitates "green" methodologies and transition metal resources become scarcer and more expensive. Although these supported systems are quite useful, especially in their capacity for transition metal catalyst recycling and recovery, higher activity and selectivity have been elusive compared with nonsupported catalysts. This Account describes recent developments in polymer-supported metal-salen complexes, which often surpass nonsupported analogues in catalytic activity and selectivity, demonstrating the effectiveness of a systematic, logical approach to designing supported catalysts from a detailed understanding of the catalytic reaction mechanism. Over the past few decades, a large number of transition metal complex catalysts have been supported on a variety of materials ranging from polymers to mesoporous silica. In particular, soluble polymer supports are advantageous because of the development of controlled and living polymerization methods that are tolerant to a wide variety of functional groups, including controlled radical polymerizations and ring-opening metathesis polymerization. These methods allow for tuning the density and structure of the catalyst sites along the polymer chain, thereby enabling the development of structure-property relationships between a catalyst and its polymer support. The fine-tuning of the catalyst-support interface, in combination with a detailed understanding of catalytic reaction mechanisms, not only permits the generation of reusable and recyclable polymer-supported catalysts but also facilitates the design and realization of supported catalysts that are significantly more active and selective than their nonsupported counterparts. These superior supported catalysts are accessible through the optimization of four basic variables in their design: (i) polymer backbone rigidity, (ii) the nature of the linker, (iii) catalyst site density, and (iv) the nature of the catalyst attachment. Herein, we describe the design of polymer supports tuned to enhance the catalytic activity or decrease, or even eliminate, decomposition pathways of salen-based transition metal catalysts that follow either a monometallic or a bimetallic reaction mechanism. These findings result in the creation of some of the most active and selective salen catalysts in the literature.

  18. Oxidation of methane over palladium catalysts: effect of the support.

    PubMed

    Escandón, Lara S; Ordóñez, Salvador; Vega, Aurelio; Díez, Fernando V

    2005-01-01

    This work is focused on the deep catalytic oxidation of methane over supported palladium catalysts. The influences of the metal loading, oxidation state of palladium, nature of supports, presence of promoters in the supports (for zirconia-based supports), and thermal stability have been studied experimentally. Catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness of commercially available supports with aqueous solutions of palladium nitrate. For gamma-alumina support, it was observed that the optimal amount of palladium is between 0.5% and 2%, with higher amounts leading to a loss in specific activity. Concerning the oxidation state of the catalyst, it is concluded that for all the supports tested in the present work, a reduction of the catalyst is not needed, yielding the same conversion at steady state catalysts reduced and oxidised. The thermal stability of various supported catalysts were also studied, zirconia supports being the most active. These supports, specially Y-modified zirconia support, do not suffer appreciable deactivation below 500 degrees C.

  19. Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of PANI and CoFe2O4/PANI composite supported on graphene for fuel cell applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohanraju, Karuppannan; Sreejith, Vasudevan; Ananth, Ramaiyan; Cindrella, Louis

    2015-06-01

    New catalysts of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with poly aniline (PANI) and cobalt ferrite (CF) have been successfully prepared by simple chemical reduction method. Their electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was evaluated. Semi-crystalline nature of CF was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. Surface morphology by HR-SEM showed features of CF particles and PANI film on graphene sheets. FT-IR studies revealed changes in C-N and Cdbnd N stretching vibrations of PANI confirming bonding of PANI to graphene sheets. Raman spectrum showed presence of PANI on distorted graphene layers. TG/DTA revealed thermal stability and extent of loading of CF in composite. ORR performance was studied using catalyst modified rotating disc electrode (RDE). A maximum kinetic current density of -3.46 mA cm-2 at -0.2 V was obtained for CF/PANI/rGO. Tafel slope, onset and half wave potentials for the catalyst were obtained from ORR response. Durability studies showed that synthesized electrocatalyst has better stability and methanol tolerance than commercial Pt/C catalyst. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study aiming enhancement of ORR activity using PANI and CoFe2O4 on graphene support. A trace amount of Pt in the composite boosted the performance of single PEM fuel cell.

  20. Technology for advanced liquefaction processes: Coal/waste coprocessing studies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cugini, A.V.; Rothenberger, K.S.; Ciocco, M.V.

    1995-12-31

    The efforts in this project are directed toward three areas: (1) novel catalyst (supported and unsupported) research and development, (2) study and optimization of major operating parameters (specifically pressure), and (3) coal/waste coprocessing. The novel catalyst research and development activity has involved testing supported catalysts, dispersed catalysts, and use of catalyst testing units to investigate the effects of operating parameters (the second area) with both supported and unsupported catalysts. Several supported catalysts were tested in a simulated first stage coal liquefaction application at 404{degrees}C during this performance period. A Ni-Mo hydrous titanate catalyst on an Amocat support prepared by Sandiamore » National laboratories was tested. Other baseline experiments using AO-60 and Amocat, both Ni-Mo/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} supported catalysts, were also made. These experiments were short duration (approximately 12 days) and monitored the initial activity of the catalysts. The results of these tests indicate that the Sandia catalyst performed as well as the commercially prepared catalysts. Future tests are planned with other Sandia preparations. The dispersed catalysts tested include sulfated iron oxide, Bayferrox iron oxide (iron oxide from Miles, Inc.), and Bailey iron oxide (micronized iron oxide from Bailey, Inc.). The effects of space velocity, temperature, and solvent-to-coal ratio on coal liquefaction activity with the dispersed catalysts were investigated. A comparison of the coal liquefaction activity of these catalysts relative to iron catalysts tested earlier, including FeOOH-impregnated coal, was made. These studies are discussed.« less

  1. Mild oxidation of methane to methanol or acetic acid on supported isolated rhodium catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shan, Junjun; Li, Mengwei; Allard, Lawrence F.; Lee, Sungsik; Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, Maria

    2017-11-01

    An efficient and direct method of catalytic conversion of methane to liquid methanol and other oxygenates would be of considerable practical value. However, it remains an unsolved problem in catalysis, as typically it involves expensive or corrosive oxidants or reaction media that are not amenable to commercialization. Although methane can be directly converted to methanol using molecular oxygen under mild conditions in the gas phase, the process is either stoichiometric (and therefore requires a water extraction step) or is too slow and low-yielding to be practical. Methane could, in principle, also be transformed through direct oxidative carbonylation to acetic acid, which is commercially obtained through methane steam reforming, methanol synthesis, and subsequent methanol carbonylation on homogeneous catalysts. However, an effective catalyst for the direct carbonylation of methane to acetic acid, which might enable the economical small-scale utilization of natural gas that is currently flared or stranded, has not yet been reported. Here we show that mononuclear rhodium species, anchored on a zeolite or titanium dioxide support suspended in aqueous solution, catalyse the direct conversion of methane to methanol and acetic acid, using oxygen and carbon monoxide under mild conditions. We find that the two products form through independent pathways, which allows us to tune the conversion: three-hour-long batch-reactor tests conducted at 150 degrees Celsius, using either the zeolite-supported or the titanium-dioxide-supported catalyst, yield around 22,000 micromoles of acetic acid per gram of catalyst, or around 230 micromoles of methanol per gram of catalyst, respectively, with selectivities of 60-100 per cent. We anticipate that these unusually high activities, despite still being too low for commercial application, may guide the development of optimized catalysts and practical processes for the direct conversion of methane to methanol, acetic acid and other useful chemicals.

  2. Catalyst system comprising a first catalyst system tethered to a supported catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Angelici, Robert J.; Gao, Hanrong

    1998-08-04

    The present invention provides new catalyst formats which comprise a supported catalyst tethered to a second and different catalyst by a suitable tethering ligand. A preferred system comprises a heterogeneous supported metal catalyst tethered to a homogeneous catalyst. This combination of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts has a sufficient lifetime and unusually high catalytic activity in arene hydrogenations, and potentially many other reactions as well, including, but not limited to hydroformylation, hydrosilation, olefin oxidation, isomerization, hydrocyanation, olefin metathesis, olefin polymerization, carbonylation, enantioselective catalysis and photoduplication. These catalysts are easily separated from the products, and can be reused repeatedly, making these systems very economical.

  3. Catalyst system comprising a first catalyst system tethered to a supported catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Angelici, R.J.; Gao, H.

    1998-08-04

    The present invention provides new catalyst formats which comprise a supported catalyst tethered to a second and different catalyst by a suitable tethering ligand. A preferred system comprises a heterogeneous supported metal catalyst tethered to a homogeneous catalyst. This combination of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts has a sufficient lifetime and unusually high catalytic activity in arene hydrogenations, and potentially many other reactions as well, including, but not limited to hydroformylation, hydrosilication, olefin oxidation, isomerization, hydrocyanidation, olefin metathesis, olefin polymerization, carbonylation, enantioselective catalysis and photoduplication. These catalysts are easily separated from the products, and can be reused repeatedly, making these systems very economical. 2 figs.

  4. Immobilization of molecular catalysts in supported ionic liquid phases.

    PubMed

    Van Doorslaer, Charlie; Wahlen, Joos; Mertens, Pascal; Binnemans, Koen; De Vos, Dirk

    2010-09-28

    In a supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) catalyst system, an ionic liquid (IL) film is immobilized on a high-surface area porous solid and a homogeneous catalyst is dissolved in this supported IL layer, thereby combining the attractive features of homogeneous catalysts with the benefits of heterogeneous catalysts. In this review reliable strategies for the immobilization of molecular catalysts in SILPs are surveyed. In the first part, general aspects concerning the application of SILP catalysts are presented, focusing on the type of catalyst, support, ionic liquid and reaction conditions. Secondly, organic reactions in which SILP technology is applied to improve the performance of homogeneous transition-metal catalysts are presented: hydroformylation, metathesis reactions, carbonylation, hydrogenation, hydroamination, coupling reactions and asymmetric reactions.

  5. Constrained Geometry Organotitanium Catalysts Supported on Nanosized Silica for Ethylene (co)Polymerization.

    PubMed

    Li, Kuo-Tseng; Wu, Ling-Huey

    2017-05-05

    Supported olefin polymerization catalysts can prevent reactor-fouling problems and produce uniform polymer particles. Constrained geometry complexes (CGCs) have less sterically hindered active sites than bis-cyclopentadienyl metallocene catalysts. In the literature, micrometer-sized silica particles were used for supporting CGC catalysts, which might have strong mass transfer limitations. This study aims to improve the activity of supported CGC catalysts by using nanometer-sized silica. Ti[(C₅Me₄)SiMe₂(N t Bu)]Cl₂, a "constrained-geometry" titanium catalyst, was supported on MAO-treated silicas (nano-sized and micro-sized) by an impregnation method. Ethylene homo-polymerization and co-polymerization with 1-octene were carried out in a temperature range of 80-120 °C using toluene as the solvent. Catalysts prepared and polymers produced were characterized. For both catalysts and for both reactions, the maximum activities occurred at 100 °C, which is significantly higher than that (60 °C) reported before for supported bis-cyclopentadienyl metallocene catalysts containing zirconium, and is lower than that (≥140 °C) used for unsupported Ti[(C₅Me₄)SiMe₂(N t Bu)]Me₂ catalyst. Activities of nano-sized catalyst were 2.6 and 1.6 times those of micro-sized catalyst for homopolymerization and copolymerization, respectively. The former produced polymers with higher crystallinity and melting point than the latter. In addition, copolymer produced with nanosized catalyst contained more 1-octene than that produced with microsized catalyst.

  6. The capacity of modified nickel catalysts derived from discharged catalyst of fertilizer plants for NOx treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ha, T. M. P.; Luong, N. T.; Le, P. N.

    2016-11-01

    In Vietnam for recent years, a large amount of hazardous waste containing nickel (Ni) derived from discharged catalyst of fertilizer plants has caused environmental problems in landfill overloading and the risk of soil or surface water sources pollution. Taking advantage of discharged catalyst, recycling Ni components and then synthesizing new catalysts apply for mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) treatments is an approach to bring about both economic and environmental benefits. This study was carried out with the main objective: Evaluate the performance of modified catalysts (using recovered Ni from the discharged RKS-2-7H catalyst of Phu My Fertilizer Plant) on NOx treatment. The catalysts was synthesized and modified with active phases consist of recovered Ni and commercial Barium oxide (BaO), Manganese dioxide (MnO2) / Cerium (IV) oxide (CeO2) on the support Aluminium oxide (γ-Al2O3). The results show that the modified catalysts with Ni, Ba, Ce was not more beneficial for NOx removal than which with Ni, Ba, Mn. 98% NOx removal at 350°C with the start temperature at 115°C and the T60 value at 307°C can be obtained with 10Ni10Ba10Mn/Al catalyst.

  7. The preparation of Fe2O3-ZSM-5 catalysts by metal-organic chemical vapour deposition method for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of m-cresol.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yi; Zhang, Huiping; Yan, Ying

    2018-03-01

    Fe 2 O 3 -ZSM-5 catalysts (0.6 wt% Fe load) prepared by metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) method were evaluated in the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of m -cresol in a batch reactor. The catalysts have a good iron dispersion and small iron crystalline size, and exhibit high stability during reaction. In addition, the kinetics of the reaction were studied and the initial oxidation rate equation was given. Catalysts were first characterized by N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, scanning electronic microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results show that extra-framework Fe 3+ species (presenting in the form of Fe 2 O 3 ) are successfully loaded on ZSM-5 supports by MOCVD method. Performances of catalysts were tested and effects of different temperature, stirring rate, catalyst amount on hydrogen peroxide, m -cresol, total organic carbon (TOC) conversion and Fe leaching concentration were studied. Results reveal that catalytic activity increased with higher temperature, faster stirring rate and larger catalyst amount. In all circumstances, m -cresol conversion could reach 99% in 0.5-2.5 h, and the highest TOC removal (80.5%) is obtained after 3 h under conditions of 60°C, 400 r.p.m. and catalyst amount of 2.5 g l -1 . The iron-leaching concentrations are less than 1.1 mg l -1 under all conditions. The initial oxidation rate equation [Formula: see text] is obtained for m -cresol degradation with Fe 2 O 3 -ZSM-5 catalysts.

  8. Effect of zirconia morphology on sulfur-resistant methanation performance of MoO3/ZrO2 catalyst

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Chen; Wang, Weihan; Xu, Yan; Li, Zhenhua; Wang, Baowei; Ma, Xinbin

    2018-05-01

    Two kinds of ZrO2 support with different morphologies were prepared by facile solvothermal method in different solvents. The obtained two supports showed monoclinic zirconia (m-ZrO2) and tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2) phase with similar crystalline size. Their supported Mo-based catalysts were prepared by impregnation method and the effect of zirconia morphology on the performance of sulfur-resistant methanation was examined. The results indicated that the MoO3/m-ZrO2 has higher CO conversion than the MoO3/t-ZrO2 catalyst. Characterizations by XRD, Raman, H2-TPR and IR confirmed that the m-ZrO2 is superior to t-ZrO2 for dispersing molybdenum species. In addition, the MoO3/m-ZrO2 catalyst has weaker interaction between support and active Mo speices than the MoO3/t-ZrO2 catalyst, which facilitates to forming active species of nanocrystalline MoS2 layers for sulfur-resistant methanation. The weaker interaction of molybdenum species with m-ZrO2 is related with the more covalent character of the Zrsbnd O bond and more oxygen defective structure of m-ZrO2. A larger number of Lewis acid centers appear on the surface of m-ZrO2, which verified the substantial vacancies on m-ZrO2 exposing coordinately unsaturated Zr3+ and Zr4+ cations. Meanwhile, the less Lewis acid of t-ZrO2 result in stronger interaction between support and molybdenum species and trigger crystalline phase MoO3 and Mosbnd Osbnd Zr linkages.

  9. Aromatization of n-hexane by platinum-containing molecular sieves. 2. n-Hexane reactivity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mielczarski, E.; Suk Bong Hong; Davis, M.E.

    Pt/KL, Pt/BaKL, Pt/KBaKL, Pt/NaY, Pt/CsNaY, Pt/NaFAU(C), Pt/hex, Pt/SSZ-24, Pt/silica, and Pt/carbon were tested as catalysts for the aromatization of n-hexane at 460-510 C and atmospheric total pressure in order to study the influence of Pt cluster size and support acidity/basicity, microstructure, and chemical composition on activity and selectivity. Analysis of the catalytic and NH{sub 3} temperature-programmed desorption results from Pt/KL, Pt/BaKL, and Pt/KBaKL reveals that the presence of any acidity increases hydrogenolysis at the expense of benzene production. In addition, no increase in aromatization selectivity is observed by the addition of base sites to a Pt/zeolite catalyst, confirming that aromatizationmore » of n-hexane over Pt clusters on nonacidic carriers is monofunctional. High selectivity to benzene over most of the zeolite samples demonstrates that support microstructure does not contribute directly to the aromatization selectivity over Pt catalysts. High selectivity to benzene is observed for a Pt/carbon catalyst suggesting that a zeolitic support is not necessary for good performance. In fact, similar reactivity is obtained from microporous (Pt/SSZ-24) and nonmicroporous (Pt/silica) silica supported platinum catalysts with similar H/Pt values. A clear trend of increasing benzene selectivity with decreasing Pt cluster size is found. These observations suggest that the exceptional reactivity of Pt/KL for the aromatization of n-hexane results from the lack of any acidity in the support and the ability of zeolite L to stabilize the formation of extremely small Pt clusters.« less

  10. Alumina-supported sub-nanometer Pt 10 clusters: Amorphization and role of the support material in a highly active CO oxidation catalyst

    DOE PAGES

    Yin, Chunrong; Negreiros, Fabio R.; Barcaro, Giovanni; ...

    2017-02-03

    Catalytic CO oxidation is unveiled on size-selected Pt 10 clusters deposited on two very different ultrathin (≈0.5–0.7 nm thick) alumina films: (i) a highly ordered alumina obtained under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) by oxidation of the NiAl(110) surface and (ii) amorphous alumina obtained by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on a silicon chip that is a close model of real-world supports. Notably, when exposed to realistic reaction conditions, the Pt 10/UHV-alumina system undergoes a morphological transition in both the clusters and the substrate, and becomes closely akin to Pt 10/ALD-alumina, thus reconciling UHV-type surface-science and real-world experiments. The Pt 10 clusters, thoroughlymore » characterized via combined experimental techniques and theoretical analysis, exhibit among the highest CO oxidation activity per Pt atom reported for CO oxidation catalysts, due to the interplay of ultra-small size and support effects. Lastly, a coherent interdisciplinary picture then emerges for this catalytic system.« less

  11. Hydrocarbon reforming catalyst material and configuration of the same

    DOEpatents

    Singh, Prabhakar; Shockling, Larry A.; George, Raymond A.; Basel, Richard A.

    1996-01-01

    A hydrocarbon reforming catalyst material comprising a catalyst support impregnated with catalyst is provided for reforming hydrocarbon fuel gases in an electrochemical generator. Elongated electrochemical cells convert the fuel to electrical power in the presence of an oxidant, after which the spent fuel is recirculated and combined with a fresh hydrocarbon feed fuel forming the reformable gas mixture which is fed to a reforming chamber containing a reforming catalyst material, where the reforming catalyst material includes discrete passageways integrally formed along the length of the catalyst support in the direction of reformable gas flow. The spent fuel and/or combusted exhaust gases discharged from the generator chamber transfer heat to the catalyst support, which in turn transfers heat to the reformable gas and to the catalyst, preferably via a number of discrete passageways disposed adjacent one another in the reforming catalyst support. The passageways can be slots extending inwardly from an outer surface of the support body, which slots are partly defined by an exterior confining wall. According to a preferred embodiment, the catalyst support is non-rigid, porous, fibrous alumina, wherein the fibers are substantially unsintered and compressible, and the reforming catalyst support is impregnated, at least in the discrete passageways with Ni and MgO, and has a number of internal slot passageways for reformable gas, the slot passageways being partly closed by a containing outer wall.

  12. Hydrocarbon reforming catalyst material and configuration of the same

    DOEpatents

    Singh, P.; Shockling, L.A.; George, R.A.; Basel, R.A.

    1996-06-18

    A hydrocarbon reforming catalyst material comprising a catalyst support impregnated with catalyst is provided for reforming hydrocarbon fuel gases in an electrochemical generator. Elongated electrochemical cells convert the fuel to electrical power in the presence of an oxidant, after which the spent fuel is recirculated and combined with a fresh hydrocarbon feed fuel forming the reformable gas mixture which is fed to a reforming chamber containing a reforming catalyst material, where the reforming catalyst material includes discrete passageways integrally formed along the length of the catalyst support in the direction of reformable gas flow. The spent fuel and/or combusted exhaust gases discharged from the generator chamber transfer heat to the catalyst support, which in turn transfers heat to the reformable gas and to the catalyst, preferably via a number of discrete passageways disposed adjacent one another in the reforming catalyst support. The passageways can be slots extending inwardly from an outer surface of the support body, which slots are partly defined by an exterior confining wall. According to a preferred embodiment, the catalyst support is non-rigid, porous, fibrous alumina, wherein the fibers are substantially unsintered and compressible, and the reforming catalyst support is impregnated, at least in the discrete passageways with Ni and MgO, and has a number of internal slot passageways for reformable gas, the slot passageways being partly closed by a containing outer wall. 5 figs.

  13. Practical, economical, and eco-friendly starch-supported palladium catalyst for Suzuki coupling reactions.

    PubMed

    Baran, Talat

    2017-06-15

    In catalytic systems, the support materials need to be both eco friendly and low cost as well as having high thermal and chemical stability. In this paper, a novel starch supported palladium catalyst, which had these outstanding properties, was designed and its catalytic activity was evaluated in a Suzuki coupling reaction under microwave heating with solvent-free and mild reaction conditions. The starch supported catalyst gave remarkable reaction yields after only 5min as a result of the coupling reaction of the phenyl boronic acid with 23 different substrates, which are bearing aril bromide, iodide, and chloride. The longevity of the catalyst was also investigated, and the catalyst could be reused for 10 runs. The starch supported Pd(II) catalyst yielded remarkable TON (up to 25,000) and TOF (up to 312,500) values by using a simple, fast and eco-friendly method. In addition, the catalytic performance of the catalyst was tested against different commercial palladium catalysts, and the green starch supported catalyst had excellent selectivity. The catalytic tests showed that the novel starch based palladium catalyst proved to be an economical and practical catalyst for the synthesis of biaryl compounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Production of bioadditives from glycerol esterification over zirconia supported heteropolyacids.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Shanhui; Zhu, Yulei; Gao, Xiaoqing; Mo, Tao; Zhu, Yifeng; Li, Yongwang

    2013-02-01

    The synthesis of bioadditives for biofuels from glycerol esterification with acetic acid was performed over zirconia supported heteropolyacids catalysts using H(4)SiW(12)O(40) (HSiW), H(3)PW(12)O(40) (HPW) and H(3)PMo(12)O(40) (HPMo) as active compounds. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by N(2)-physisorption, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, NH(3)-TPD, FTIR of pyridine adsorption and H(2)O-TPD. Among the catalysts tested, HSiW/ZrO(2) achieved the best catalytic performance owing to the better combination of surface Brønsted acid sites and hydrothermal stability. A 93.6% combined selectivity of glyceryl diacetate and glyceryl triacetate with complete glycerol conversion was obtained at 120°C and 4h of reaction time in the presence of HSiW/ZrO(2). This catalyst also presented consistent activity for four consecutive reaction cycles, while HPW/ZrO(2) and HPMo/ZrO(2) exhibited distinct deactivation after reusability tests. In addition, HSiW/ZrO(2) can be resistant to the impurities present in bulk glycerol. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Hydrogen production by steam reforming of liquefied natural gas over a nickel catalyst supported on mesoporous alumina xerogel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seo, Jeong Gil; Youn, Min Hye; Cho, Kyung Min; Park, Sunyoung; Song, In Kyu

    Mesoporous alumina xerogel (A-SG) is prepared by a sol-gel method for use as a support for a nickel catalyst. The Ni/A-SG catalyst is then prepared by an impregnation method, and is applied to hydrogen production by steam reforming of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The effect of the mesoporous alumina xerogel support on the catalytic performance of Ni/A-SG catalyst is investigated. For the purpose of comparison, a nickel catalyst supported on commercial alumina (A-C) is also prepared by an impregnation method (Ni/A-C). Both the hydroxyl-rich surface and the electron-deficient sites of the A-SG support enhance the dispersion of the nickel species on the support during the calcination step. The formation of the surface nickel aluminate phase in the Ni/A-SG catalyst remarkably increases the reducibility and stability of the catalyst. Furthermore, the high-surface area and the well-developed mesoporosity of the Ni/A-SG catalyst enhance the gasification of surface hydrocarbons that are adsorbed in the reaction. In the steam reforming of LNG, the Ni/A-SG catalyst exhibits a better catalytic performance than the Ni/A-C catalyst in terms of LNG conversion and hydrogen production. Moreover, the Ni/A-SG catalyst shows strong resistance toward catalyst deactivation.

  16. Highly dispersed metal catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Xiao, Xin; West, William L.; Rhodes, William D.

    2016-11-08

    A supported catalyst having an atomic level single atom structure is provided such that substantially all the catalyst is available for catalytic function. A process of forming a single atom catalyst unto a porous catalyst support is also provided.

  17. Pt/glassy carbon model catalysts prepared from PS-b-P2VP micellar templates.

    PubMed

    Gu, Yunlong; St-Pierre, Jean; Ploehn, Harry J

    2008-11-04

    Poly(styrene)-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymer was used as a micellar template to fabricate arrays of Pt nanoparticles on mica and glassy carbon (GC) supports. Polymer micellar deposition yields Pt nanoparticles with tunable particle size and surface number density on both mica and GC. After deposition of precursor-loaded micelles onto GC, oxygen plasma etching removes the polymer shell, followed by thermal treatment with H2 gas to reduce the Pt. Etching conditions were optimized to maximize removal of the polymer while minimizing damage to the GC. Arrays of Pt nanoparticles with controlled size and surface number density can be prepared on mica (for particle size characterization) and GC to make Pt/GC model catalysts. These model catalysts were characterized by tapping mode atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry to measure activity for oxidation of carbon monoxide or methanol. Cyclic voltammetry results demonstrate the existence of a correlation between Pt particle size and electrocatalytic properties including onset potential, tolerance of carbonaceous adsorbates, and intrinsic activity (based on active Pt area from CO stripping voltammetry). Results obtained with Pt/GC model catalysts duplicate prior results obtained with Pt/porous carbon catalysts therefore validating the synthesis approach and offering a new, tunable platform to study catalyst structure and other effects such as aging on proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) reactions.

  18. Electrochemical Catalyst-Support Effects and Their Stabilizing Role for IrOx Nanoparticle Catalysts during the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

    PubMed

    Oh, Hyung-Suk; Nong, Hong Nhan; Reier, Tobias; Bergmann, Arno; Gliech, Manuel; Ferreira de Araújo, Jorge; Willinger, Elena; Schlögl, Robert; Teschner, Detre; Strasser, Peter

    2016-09-28

    Redox-active support materials can help reduce the noble-metal loading of a solid chemical catalyst while offering electronic catalyst-support interactions beneficial for catalyst durability. This is well known in heterogeneous gas-phase catalysis but much less discussed for electrocatalysis at electrified liquid-solid interfaces. Here, we demonstrate experimental evidence for electronic catalyst-support interactions in electrochemical environments and study their role and contribution to the corrosion stability of catalyst/support couples. Electrochemically oxidized Ir oxide nanoparticles, supported on high surface area carbons and oxides, were selected as model catalyst/support systems for the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). First, the electronic, chemical, and structural state of the catalyst/support couple was compared using XANES, EXAFS, TEM, and depth-resolved XPS. While carbon-supported oxidized Ir particle showed exclusively the redox state (+4), the Ir/IrOx/ATO system exhibited evidence of metal/metal-oxide support interactions (MMOSI) that stabilized the metal particles on antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) in sustained lower Ir oxidation states (Ir(3.2+)). At the same time, the growth of higher valent Ir oxide layers that compromise catalyst stability was suppressed. Then the electrochemical stability and the charge-transfer kinetics of the electrocatalysts were evaluated under constant current and constant potential conditions, where the analysis of the metal dissolution confirmed that the ATO support mitigates Ir(z+) dissolution thanks to a stronger MMOSI effect. Our findings raise the possibility that MMOSI effects in electrochemistry-largely neglected in the past-may be more important for a detailed understanding of the durability of oxide-supported nanoparticle OER catalysts than previously thought.

  19. Characterization by 27Al NMR, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory techniques of the species responsible for benzene hydrogenation in Y zeolite-supported carburized molybdenum catalysts.

    PubMed

    Rocha, Angela S; da Silva, Victor Teixeira; Eon, Jean G; de Menezes, Sônia M C; Faro, Arnaldo C; Rocha, Alexandre B

    2006-08-17

    Carburized molybdenum catalysts supported on a dealuminated NaH-Y zeolite were prepared by carburization under a 20% methane in hydrogen flow of two precursors obtained by adsorption of molybdenum hexacarbonyl, one containing 5 wt % and the other 10 wt % Mo, and a third one was prepared by impregnation with aqueous ammonium heptamolybdate, containing 5 wt % Mo. The three catalysts displayed very distinct behaviors in the benzene hydrogenation reaction at atmospheric pressure and 363 K. By using XANES spectroscopy at the molybdenum L edge, EXAFS and XANES spectroscopy at the molybdenum K edge, and 27Al solid-state NMR spectroscopy, it was shown that different carburized molybdenum species exist in each sample. In the catalyst containing 10 wt % Mo, formation of molybdenum carbide nanoparticles was observed, with an estimated diameter of 1.8 nm. In the catalyst containing 5 wt % Mo and prepared by carburization of adsorbed molybdenum hexacarbonyl, formation of molybdenum oxycarbide dimers is proposed. In the latter case, density functional theory calculations have led to a dimer structure which is compatible with EXAFS results. In the catalyst prepared by impregnation with ammonium heptamolybdate solution followed by carburization, the molybdenum seems to interact with extraframework alumina to produce highly disordered mixed molybdenum-aluminum oxycarbides.

  20. Effect of EtOH/MgCl(2) molar ratios on the catalytic properties of MgCl(2)-SiO(2)/TiCl(4) Ziegler-Natta catalyst for ethylene polymerization.

    PubMed

    Patthamasang, Supanan; Jongsomjit, Bunjerd; Praserthdam, Piyasan

    2011-09-29

    MgCl(2)-SiO(2)/TiCl(4) Ziegler-Natta catalysts for ethylene polymerization were prepared by impregnation of MgCl(2) on SiO(2) in heptane and further treatment with TiCl(4). MgCl(2)·nEtOH adduct solutions were prepared with various EtOH/MgCl(2) molar ratios for preparation of the MgCl(2)-supported and MgCl(2)-SiO(2)-supported catalysts in order to investigate the effect on polymerization performance of both catalyst systems. The catalytic activities for ethylene polymerization decreased markedly with increased molar ratios of [EtOH]/[MgCl(2)] for the MgCl(2)-supported catalysts, while for the bi-supported catalysts, the activities only decreased slightly. The MgCl(2)-SiO(2)-supported catalyst had relatively constant activity, independent of the [EtOH]/[MgCl(2)] ratio. The lower [EtOH]/[MgCl(2)] in MgCl(2)-supported catalyst exhibited better catalytic activity. However, for the MgCl(2)-SiO(2)-supported catalyst, MgCl(2) can agglomerate on the SiO(2) surface at low [EtOH]/[MgCl(2)] thus not being not suitable for TiCl(4) loading. It was found that the optimized [EtOH]/[MgCl(2)] value for preparation of bi-supported catalysts having high activity and good spherical morphology with little agglomerated MgCl(2) was 7. Morphological studies indicated that MgCl(2)-SiO(2)-supported catalysts have good morphology with spherical shapes that retain the morphology of SiO(2). The BET measurement revealed that pore size is the key parameter dictating polymerization activity. The TGA profiles of the bi-supported catalyst also confirmed that it was more stable than the mono-supported catalyst, especially in the ethanol removal region.

  1. Oxidative coupling of methane over supported La{sub 2}O{sub 3} and La-promoted MgO catalysts: Influence of catalyst-support interactions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Choudhary, V.R.; Mulla, S.A.R.; Uphade, B.S.

    1997-06-01

    Methane-to-C{sub 2}-hydrocarbon conversion activity and selectivity (or yield) of MgO and La-promoted MgO catalysts in the oxidative coupling of methane and strong basicity of the catalysts are decreased appreciably when these catalysts are deposited on commonly used commercial low surface area porous catalyst carriers containing Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, SiO{sub 2}, SiC, or ZrO{sub 2} + HfO{sub 2} as the main components. The decrease in the strong basicity and catalytic activity/selectivity or yield is mostly due to strong chemical interactions between the active catalyst component (viz., MgO and La{sub 2}O{sub 3}) and the reactive components of the catalyst support (viz., Al{submore » 2}O{sub 3} and SiO{sub 2}), resulting in the formation of catalytically inactive binary metal oxides on the support surface. However, the influence of support on the activity/selectivity of La{sub 2}O{sub 3} is relatively very small, and also the chemical interactions of La{sub 2}O{sub 3} with the supports (except that containing a high concentration of SiO{sub 2}) are almost absent. The catalyst-support interactions are thus found to be strongly dependent upon the nature (chemical composition) of both catalyst and support. For developing better supported catalysts for the oxidative coupling of methane, supported La{sub 2}O{sub 3} with some promoters shows high promise.« less

  2. Removal of toluene from water by photocatalytic oxidation with activated carbon supported Fe(3+)-doped TiO2 nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Rongfang; Zhou, Beihai; Ma, Li

    2014-01-01

    In this work, activated carbon (AC)-supported TiO2 containing 1.0% (mass percent) of 1.0 at.% (atomic percent) Fe(3+)-doped TiO2 nanotubes (Fe-TNTs) were successfully synthesized. The catalyst was used to effectively decompose toluene in water under O3/UV conditions, and some properties including the morphology, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, specific surface area and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were analyzed. A removal efficiency of 90.7% was achieved in the presence of fresh AC-supported Fe-TNTs calcined at 550 °C, with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.038/min. The removal efficiency of toluene was reduced when the catalysts were repeatedly used, since the amount of adsorption sites of the supporting substrates decreased. However, even after AC-supported catalyst was used four times, the removal efficiency of toluene was still sufficient in water treatment. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of AC-supported Fe-TNTs was related to the synergistic effect of AC adsorption and Fe-TNTs photocatalytic ozonation. The water from a petrochemical company in China was used to obtain the removal efficiency of the pollutants, and the toluene and total organic carbon removal efficiencies were 69.9% and 58.3%, respectively.

  3. Effects of methanol-to-oil ratio, catalyst amount and reaction time on the FAME yield by in situ transesterification of rubber seeds (Hevea brasiliensis)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abdulkadir, Bashir Abubakar; Uemura, Yoshimitsu; Ramli, Anita; Osman, Noridah B.; Kusakabe, Katsuki; Kai, Takami

    2014-10-01

    In this research, biodiesel is produced by in situ transesterification (direct transesterification) method from the rubber seeds using KOH as a catalyst. The influence of methanol to seeds mass ratio, duration of reaction, and catalyst loading was investigated. The result shows that, the best ratio of seeds to methanol is 1:6 (10 g seeds with 60 g methanol), 120 minutes reaction time and catalyst loading of 3.0 g. The maximum FAME yield obtain was 70 %. This findings support FAME production from the seeds of rubber tree using direct transesterifcation method from the seeds of rubber tree as an alternative to diesel fuel. Also, significant properties of biodiesel such as cloud point, density, pour point, specific gravity, and viscosity were investigated.

  4. Surface structural evolution of AuAg/TiO2 catalyst in the transformation of benzyl alcohol to sodium benzoate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cui, Yuanyuan; Wang, Ying; Fan, Kangnian; Dai, Wei-Lin

    2013-08-01

    A series of AuAg/TiO2 catalysts calcined at different temperatures were used for single-pot, solvent-free synthesis of sodium benzoate and benzoic acid through the green oxidation of benzyl alcohol. The best catalytic performance, which produced a sodium benzoate yield of up to 85%, was obtained over the AuAg/TiO2 catalyst calcined at 623 K. Systematic characterizations including BET, XRD, TEM, XPS, and UV-vis DRS and ICP were carried out to investigate the influence of calcined temperature on the structural evolution of the bimetallic AuAg/TiO2 catalysts. TEM images showed that both low (473 K) and high calcinations temperatures (973 K) resulted in larger particles. The smallest particles (8.2 nm) were obtained at 623 K. This decrease in particle size may have been induced by the re-dispersion and interaction of the bimetallic species. XRD and XPS results showed that proper calcination temperature (623 K) could promote interactions between the bimetallic particles and the TiO2 support as well as the dispersion of active bimetallic species. The higher catalytic performance of the 623 K calcined catalyst could be attributed to the smaller particle size and the synergetic interaction between nano-bimetallic gold and silver species.

  5. System and method for controlling hydrogen elimination during carbon nanotube synthesis from hydrocarbons

    DOEpatents

    Reilly, Peter T. A.

    2010-03-23

    A system and method for producing carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition includes a catalyst support having first and second surfaces. The catalyst support is capable of hydrogen transport from the first to the second surface. A catalyst is provided on the first surface of the catalyst support. The catalyst is selected to catalyze the chemical vapor deposition formation of carbon nanotubes. A fuel source is provided for supplying fuel to the catalyst.

  6. Ionic Liquids in Selective Oxidation: Catalysts and Solvents.

    PubMed

    Dai, Chengna; Zhang, Jie; Huang, Chongpin; Lei, Zhigang

    2017-05-24

    Selective oxidation has an important role in environmental and green chemistry (e.g., oxidative desulfurization of fuels and oxidative removal of mercury) as well as chemicals and intermediates chemistry to obtain high-value-added special products (e.g., organic sulfoxides and sulfones, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, epoxides, esters, and lactones). Due to their unique physical properties such as the nonvolatility, thermal stability, nonexplosion, high polarity, and temperature-dependent miscibility with water, ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted considerable attention as reaction solvents and media for selective oxidations and are considered as green alternatives to volatile organic solvents. Moreover, for easy separation and recyclable utilization, IL catalysts have attracted unprecedented attention as "biphasic catalyst" or "immobilized catalyst" by immobilizing metal- or nonmetal-containing ILs onto mineral or polymer supports to combine the unique properties of ILs (chemical and thermal stability, capacity for extraction of polar substrates and reaction products) with the extended surface of the supports. This review highlights the most recent outcomes on ILs in several important typical oxidation reactions. The contents are arranged in the series of oxidation of sulfides, oxidation of alcohols, epoxidation of alkenes, Baeyer-Villiger oxidation reaction, oxidation of alkanes, and oxidation of other compounds step by step involving ILs as solvents, catalysts, reagents, or their combinations.

  7. Re-examination of the Pt Particle Size Effect on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction for Ultrathin Uniform Pt/C Catalyst Layers without Influence from Nafion

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shinozaki, Kazuma; Morimoto, Yu; Pivovar, Bryan S.

    The platinum 'particle size effect' on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been re-evaluated using commercial Pt/C catalysts (2-10 nm Pt particle) and polycrystalline Pt (poly-Pt) in 0.1 M HClO4 with a rotating disk electrode method. Nafion-free catalyst layers were employed to obtain specific activities (SA) that were not perturbed (suppressed) by sulfonate anion adsorption/blocking. By using ultrathin uniform catalyst layers, O2 diffusion limitation was minimized as confirmed from the high SAs of our supported catalysts that were comparable to unsupported sputtered Pt having controlled sizes. The specific activity (SA) steeply increased for the particle sizes in the range -2-10more » nm (0.8-1.8 mA/cm2Pt at 0.9 V vs. RHE) and plateaued over -10 nm to 2.7 mA/cm2Pt for bulk poly-Pt. On the basis of the activity trend for the range of particle sizes studied, it appears that the effect of carbon support on activity is negligible. The experimental results and the concomitant profile of SA vs. particle size was found to be in an agreement to a truncated octahedral particle model that assumes active terrace sites.« less

  8. Gram-level synthesis of core-shell structured catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luo, Mingchuan; Wei, Lingli; Wang, Fanghui; Han, Kefei; Zhu, Hong

    2014-12-01

    Over the past decade, Pt based core-shell structured alloys have been studied extensively as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) because of their distinctive electrochemical performance and low Pt loading. In this paper, a facile route based on microwave-assisted polyol method and chemical dealloying process is proposed to synthesize carbon supported core-shell structured nanoparticles (NPs) in gram-level for ORR electrocatalysis in PEMFCs. The obtained samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These physical characterization indicate that the final synthesized NPs are highly dispersed on the carbon support, and in a core-shell structure with CuPt alloy as the core and Pt as the shell. Electrochemical measurements, conducted by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) tests, show the core-shell structured catalyst exhibit a 3× increase in mass activity and a 2× increase in specific activity over the commercial Pt/C catalyst, respectively. These results demonstrate that this route can be a reliable way to synthesize low-Pt catalyst in large-scale for PEMFCs.

  9. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    The objective of Task 1 is to prepare and evaluate catalysts and to develop efficient reactor systems for the selective conversion of hydrogen-lean synthesis gas to alcohol fuel extender and octane enhancers. Task 1 is subdivided into three separate subtasks: laboratory and equipment setup; catalysis research; and reaction engineering and modeling. Research at West Virginia University (WVU) is focused on molybdenum-based catalysts for higher alcohol synthesis. Parallel research carried out at Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) is focused on transition-metal-oxide catalysts. During this time period, at WVU, we tried several methods to eliminate problems related to condensation of heavier products whenmore » reduced Mo-Ni-K/C materials were used as catalysts. We then resumed our kinetic study on the reduced Mo-Ni-K/C materials were used as catalysts. We then resumed our kinetic study on the reduced Mo-Ni-K/C catalysts. We have also obtained same preliminary results in our attempts to analyze quantitatively the temperature-programmed reduction spectra for C- supported Mo-based catalysts. We have completed the kinetic study for the sulfided Co-K-MoS{sub 2}/C catalyst. We have compared the results of methanol synthesis using the membrane reactor with those using a simple plug-flow reactor. At UCC, the complete characterization of selected catalysts has been completed. The results suggest that catalyst pretreatment under different reducing conditions yield different surface compositions and thus different catalytic reactivities.« less

  10. Graphitized Carbon: A Promising Stable Cathode Catalyst Support Material for Long Term PEMFC Applications.

    PubMed

    Mohanta, Paritosh Kumar; Regnet, Fabian; Jörissen, Ludwig

    2018-05-28

    Stability of cathode catalyst support material is one of the big challenges of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) for long term applications. Traditional carbon black (CB) supports are not stable enough to prevent oxidation to CO₂ under fuel cell operating conditions. The feasibility of a graphitized carbon (GC) as a cathode catalyst support for low temperature PEMFC is investigated herein. GC and CB supported Pt electrocatalysts were prepared via an already developed polyol process. The physical characterization of the prepared catalysts was performed using transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis, and their electrochemical characterizations were conducted via cyclic voltammetry(CV), rotating disk electrode (RDE) and potential cycling, and eventually, the catalysts were processed using membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) for single cell performance tests. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SEM) have been used as MEA diagonostic tools. GC showed superior stability over CB in acid electrolyte under potential conditions. Single cell MEA performance of the GC-supported catalyst is comparable with the CB-supported catalyst. A correlation of MEA performance of the supported catalysts of different Brunauer⁻Emmett⁻Teller (BET) surface areas with the ionomer content was also established. GC was identified as a promising candidate for catalyst support in terms of both of the stability and the performance of fuel cell.

  11. An XAS experimental approach to study low Pt content electrocatalysts operating in PEM fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Principi, Emiliano; Witkowska, Agnieszka; Dsoke, Sonia; Marassi, Roberto; Di Cicco, Andrea

    2009-11-21

    We present an X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) study of a low Pt content catalyst layer (Pt loading 0.1 mg cm(-2)) operating at the cathode of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). This catalyst is based on the use of a mesoporous inorganic matrix as a support for the catalyst Pt nanoparticles. Due to the high Pt dilution, in situ measurements of its structural properties by XAS are challenging and suitable experimental strategies must be devised for this purpose. In particular, we show that accurate XAS in situ fluorescence measurements can be obtained using an optimized fuel cell, suitable protocols for alignment of a focused X-ray beam and an appropriate filter for the background signal of the other atomic species contained in the electrodes. Details, advantages and limitations of the XAS technique for in situ measurements are discussed. Analysis of the near-edge XAS and EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) data, corroborated by a HRTEM (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy) study, shows that the Pt particles have a local structure compatible with that of bulk Pt (fcc) and coordination numbers match those expected for particles with typical sizes in the 1.5-2.0 nm range. Substantial changes in the oxidation state and in local atomic arrangement of the Pt particles are found for different applied potentials. The catalyst support, containing W atoms, exhibits a partial reduction upon PEMFC activation, thus mimicking the catalyst behavior. This indicates a possible role of the mesoporous matrix in favouring the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and stimulates further research on active catalyst supports.

  12. Silver doped catalysts for treatment of exhaust

    DOEpatents

    Park, Paul Worn; Hester, Virgil Raymond; Ragle, Christie Susan; Boyer, Carrie L.

    2009-06-02

    A method of making an exhaust treatment element includes washcoating a substrate with a slurry that includes a catalyst support material. At least some of the catalyst support material from the slurry may be transferred to the substrate, and silver metal (Ag) is dispersed within the catalyst support material.

  13. Influence of lanthanum on the surface structure and CO hydrogenation activity of supported cobalt catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ledford, J.S.; Houalla, M.; Proctor, A.

    1989-09-07

    X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA or XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, H{sub 2} chemisorption, and gravimetric analysis have been used to characterize three series of La/Al{sub 3}O{sub 3} and CoLa/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalysts. CoLa/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalysts were prepared by two methods: impregnation of La first followed by Co (designated CoLay) and impregnation of Co first followed by La (designated LayCo). The information obtained from surface and bulk characterization has been compared with CO hydrogenation activity and selectivity of the supported Co/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalysts. For CoLay catalysts with low La loadings (La/Al atomic ratio {le} 0.026), the presence ofmore » La had little effect on the structure or CO hydrogenation activity. However, the selectivity to higher hydrocarbons and olefinic products increased with increasing La content. For CoLay catalysts with higher La loadings, Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} is suppressed in favor of an amorphous dispersed La-Co mixed oxide. ESCA and H{sub 2} chemisorption indicated higher dispersion of the metallic cobalt phase for high La loadings. The turnover frequency (TOF) for CO hydrogenation decreased dramatically for high La loadings. This has been correlated to the decrease in the amount of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} present in the La-rich catalysts. Catalysts prepared by reverse impregnation (LayCo) showed little evidence of La-Co interaction. No significant variation in reducibility or cobalt metal dispersion was observed. Lanthanum addition had little effect on the TOF for CO hydrogenation or the selectivity to olefinic products and higher hydrocarbons.« less

  14. Alloy formation and metal oxide segregation in Pt-Re/. gamma. -Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalysts as investigated by temperature-programmed reduction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wagstaff, N.; Prins, R.

    1979-10-15

    Temperature-programmed reduction has been used to characterize the finely dispersed metal compounds in a series of Pt-Re/..gamma..-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalysts. Strong evidence has been obtained that zerovalent Pt and Re atoms are in intimate contact with each other after catalyst reduction. The formation of bimetallic clusters supports the alloy explanation for the improved performance of this type of bimetallic reforming catalyst. Treatment of the reduced catalysts with oxygen above about 200/sup 0/C causes segregation of platinum and rhenium oxides. Adsorption of oxygen at temperatures up to 100/sup 0/C leaves the bimetallic clusters largely intact, but subsequent high-temperature treatment in themore » absence of extra oxygen leads to segregation of Pt and Re species. This suggests that in the presence of adsorbed oxygen the Pt-Re clusters are thermodynamically unstable, but that under mild conditions the rate of segregation is slow. 10 figures, 4 tables.« less

  15. One-pot aldol condensation and hydrodeoxygenation of biomass-derived carbonyl compounds for biodiesel synthesis.

    PubMed

    Faba, Laura; Díaz, Eva; Ordóñez, Salvador

    2014-10-01

    Integrating reaction steps is of key interest in the development of processes for transforming lignocellulosic materials into drop-in fuels. We propose a procedure for performing the aldol condensation (reaction between furfural and acetone is taken as model reaction) and the total hydrodeoxygenation of the resulting condensation adducts in one step, yielding n-alkanes. Different combinations of catalysts (bifunctional catalysts or mechanical mixtures), reaction conditions, and solvents (aqueous and organic) have been tested for performing these reactions in an isothermal batch reactor. The results suggest that the use of bifunctional catalysts and aqueous phase lead to an effective integration of both reactions. Therefore, selectivities to n-alkanes higher than 50% were obtained using this catalyst at typical hydrogenation conditions (T=493 K, P=4.5 MPa, 24 h reaction time). The use of organic solvent, carbonaceous supports, or mechanical mixtures of monofunctional catalysts leads to poorer results owing to side effects; mainly, hydrogenation of reactants and adsorption processes. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  16. Transesterification of edible, non-edible and used cooking oils for biodiesel production using calcined layered double hydroxides as reusable base catalysts.

    PubMed

    Sankaranarayanan, Sivashunmugam; Antonyraj, Churchil A; Kannan, S

    2012-04-01

    Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were produced from edible, non-edible and used cooking oils with different fatty acid contents by transesterification with methanol using calcined layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as solid base catalysts. Among the catalysts, calcined CaAl2-LDH (hydrocalumite) showed the highest activity with >90% yield of FAME using low methanol:oil molar ratio (<6:1) at 65 °C in 5 h. The activity of the catalyst was attributed to its high basicity as supported by Hammett studies and CO(2)-TPD measurements. The catalyst was successfully reused in up to four cycles. Some of the properties such as density, viscosity, neutralization number and glycerol content of the obtained biodiesel matched well with the standard DIN values. It is concluded that a scalable heterogeneously catalyzed process for production of biodiesel in high yields from a wide variety of triglyceride oils including used oils is possible using optimized conditions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Supported phosphate and carbonate salts for heterogeneous catalysis of triglycerides to fatty acid methyl esters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Britton, Stephanie Lynne

    Fatty acid methyl esters made from vegetable oil, or biodiesel, have been identified as a substitute for diesel derived from crude oil. Biodiesel is currently made using a homogeneous base catalyst to perform the transesterification of triglycerides with methanol to generate fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The use of a homogeneous catalyst necessitates additional purification of the product and byproducts before sale, and the catalyst is consumed and discarded. The development of a heterogeneous basic catalyst for the production of FAME is desirable. Tribasic phosphate salts and dibasic carbonate salts are active for the production of FAME but generally operate as homogeneous catalysts. Supporting these phosphate and carbonate salts on mesoporous MCM-41, microporous silica gel, and nonporous a-alumina proved successful to greater or lesser degrees depending on the identity of the support and pretreatment of the support. Although these salts were supported and were active for the production of FAME from canola oil, they proved to be operating as homogeneous catalysts due to leaching of the active species off the surface of the support. Further investigation of the active species present in the tribasic phosphate catalysts identified the active support as orthophosphate, and NMR studies revealed the phosphorus to be present as orthophosphate and diphosphate in varying proportions in each catalyst. Evaluation of the acid-washing support pretreatment process revealed that the exposure of the support to acid plays a large role in the development of activity on the surface of the catalyst, but manipulation of these parameters did not prevent leaching of the active site off the surface of the catalyst. Alternate methods of support pretreatment were no more effective in preventing leaching. Tribasic phosphate supported on silica gel is not effective as a heterogeneous catalyst for FAME production from triglycerides because of the lack of stability of the phosphate on the support. The support is not stable under the reaction conditions, and alternatives should be explored to develop a heterogeneous base catalyst for the production of FAME.

  18. Deactivation of Multilayered MFI Nanosheet Zeolite during Upgrading of Biomass Pyrolysis Vapors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xu, Mengze; Mukarakate, Calvin; Iisa, Kristiina

    Here, the catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of biomass is a promising technology for producing renewable transportation fuels and chemicals. MFI-type catalysts have shown promise for CFP because they produce gasoline range hydrocarbons from oxygenated pyrolysis compounds; however, rapid catalyst deactivation due to coking is one of the major technical barriers inhibiting the commercialization of this technology. Coke deposited on the surface of the catalysts blocks access to active sites in the micropores leading to rapid catalyst deactivation. Our strategy is to minimize rapid catalyst deactivation by adding mesoporosity through forming MFI nanosheet materials. The synthesized MFI nanosheet catalysts were fullymore » characterized and evaluated for cellulose pyrolysis vapor upgrading to produce olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons. The data obtained from pyrolysis-GCMS (py-GCMS), showed that fresh MFI nanosheets produced similar aromatic hydrocarbon and olefin yields compared to conventional HZSM-5. However, MFI nanosheets demonstrated a longer lifetime than HZSM-5 even though coke contents were also higher than for HZSM-5 because the mesopores enabled better accessibility to active acid sites. This conclusion was supported by results from post-reaction analysis of various spent catalysts collected at different points during the deactivation experiments.« less

  19. Carbon and Mo transformations during the synthesis of mesoporous Mo2C/carbon catalysts by carbothermal hydrogen reduction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Haiyan; Liu, Shida; Liu, Bing; Montes, Vicente; Hill, Josephine M.; Smith, Kevin J.

    2018-02-01

    The synthesis of mesoporous Mo2C/carbon catalysts by carbothermal hydrogen reduction is reported. Petroleum coke (petcoke) was activated with KOH at 800 °C to obtain high surface area microporous activated petcoke (APC; 2000 m2/g). The APC was wet impregnated with ammonium heptamolybdate (AHM: 10 wt% Mo), dried and reduced in H2 at temperatures from 400 to 800 °C, to yield Mo2C/APC catalysts. Increased reduction temperature increased the Mo2C yield and the mesoporous volume of the Mo2C/APC. At a reduction temperature of 750 °C the mesopore volume of the catalyst doubled compared to the APC support and accounted for 37% of the total pore volume. Maintaining the final CHR temperature for 90 min further increased the Mo2C yield and mesoporosity of the catalyst. The role of Mo2C in the catalytic hydrogenation of the APC and mesopore generation is demonstrated. The activity of the Mo2C/carbon catalysts in the hydrodeoxygenation of 4-methyl phenol increased with increased CHR temperature and catalyst mesoporosity.

  20. Deactivation of Multilayered MFI Nanosheet Zeolite during Upgrading of Biomass Pyrolysis Vapors

    DOE PAGES

    Xu, Mengze; Mukarakate, Calvin; Iisa, Kristiina; ...

    2017-05-02

    Here, the catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of biomass is a promising technology for producing renewable transportation fuels and chemicals. MFI-type catalysts have shown promise for CFP because they produce gasoline range hydrocarbons from oxygenated pyrolysis compounds; however, rapid catalyst deactivation due to coking is one of the major technical barriers inhibiting the commercialization of this technology. Coke deposited on the surface of the catalysts blocks access to active sites in the micropores leading to rapid catalyst deactivation. Our strategy is to minimize rapid catalyst deactivation by adding mesoporosity through forming MFI nanosheet materials. The synthesized MFI nanosheet catalysts were fullymore » characterized and evaluated for cellulose pyrolysis vapor upgrading to produce olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons. The data obtained from pyrolysis-GCMS (py-GCMS), showed that fresh MFI nanosheets produced similar aromatic hydrocarbon and olefin yields compared to conventional HZSM-5. However, MFI nanosheets demonstrated a longer lifetime than HZSM-5 even though coke contents were also higher than for HZSM-5 because the mesopores enabled better accessibility to active acid sites. This conclusion was supported by results from post-reaction analysis of various spent catalysts collected at different points during the deactivation experiments.« less

  1. Activity and Stability of Dispersed Multi Metallic Pt-based Catalysts for CO Tolerance in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Anodes.

    PubMed

    Hassan, Ayaz; Ticianelli, Edson A

    2018-01-01

    Studies aiming at improving the activity and stability of dispersed W and Mo containing Pt catalysts for the CO tolerance in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) anodes are revised for the following catalyst systems: (1) a carbon supported PtMo electrocatalyst submitted to heat treatments; (2) Pt and PtMo nanoparticles deposited on carbon-supported molybdenum carbides (Mo2C/C); (3) ternary and quaternary materials formed by PtMoFe/C, PtMoRu/C and PtMoRuFe/C and; (4) Pt nanoparticles supported on tungsten carbide/carbon catalysts and its parallel evaluation with carbon supported PtW catalyst. The heat-treated (600 oC) Pt-Mo/C catalyst showed higher hydrogen oxidation activity in the absence and in the presence of CO and better stability, compared to all other Mo-containing catalysts. PtMoRuFe, PtMoFe, PtMoRu supported on carbon and Pt supported on Mo2C/C exhibited similar CO tolerances but better stability, as compared to as-prepared PtMo supported on carbon. Among the tungsten-based catalysts, tungsten carbide supported Pt catalyst showed reasonable performance and reliable stability in comparison to simple carbon supported PtW catalyst, though an uneven level of catalytic activity towards H2 oxidation in presence of CO is observed for the former as compared to Mo containing catalyst. However, a small dissolution of Mo, Ru, Fe and W from the anodes and their migration toward cathodes during the cell operation is observed. These results indicate that the fuel cell performance and stability has been improved but not yet totally resolved.

  2. Hydrodechlorination of Tetrachloromethane over Palladium Catalysts Supported on Mixed MgF₂-MgO Carriers.

    PubMed

    Bonarowska, Magdalena; Wojciechowska, Maria; Zieliński, Maciej; Kiderys, Angelika; Zieliński, Michał; Winiarek, Piotr; Karpiński, Zbigniew

    2016-11-25

    Pd/MgO, Pd/MgF₂ and Pd/MgO-MgF₂ catalysts were investigated in the reaction of CCl₄ hydrodechlorination. All the catalysts deactivated in time on stream, but the degree of deactivation varied from catalyst to catalyst. The MgF₂-supported palladium with relatively large metal particles appeared the best catalyst, characterized by good activity and selectivity to C₂-C₅ hydrocarbons. Investigation of post-reaction catalyst samples allowed to find several details associated with the working state of hydrodechlorination catalysts. The role of support acidity was quite complex. On the one hand, a definite, although not very high Lewis acidity of MgF₂ is beneficial for shaping high activity of palladium catalysts. The MgO-MgF₂ support characterized by stronger Lewis acidity than MgF₂ contributes to very good catalytic activity for a relatively long reaction period (~5 h) but subsequent neutralization of stronger acid centers (by coking) eliminates them from the catalyst. On the other hand, the role of acidity evolution, which takes place when basic supports (like MgO) are chlorided during HdCl reactions, is difficult to assess because different events associated with distribution of chlorided support species, leading to partial or even full blocking of the surface of palladium, which plays the role of active component in HdCl reactions.

  3. Low-temperature carbon monoxide oxidation over zirconia-supported CuO-CeO2 catalysts: Effect of zirconia support properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moretti, Elisa; Molina, Antonia Infantes; Sponchia, Gabriele; Talon, Aldo; Frattini, Romana; Rodriguez-Castellon, Enrique; Storaro, Loretta

    2017-05-01

    A study was conducted to investigate the effect of the preparation route of ZrO2 in CuO-CeO2/ZrO2 catalysts for the oxidation of carbon monoxide at low temperature (COX). Four ZrO2 supports were synthetized via either type sol-gel methodology or precipitation. The final Cu-Ce-Zr oxide catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness co-impregnation with copper and cerium solutions (with a loading of 6 wt% of CuO and 20 wt% of CeO2). The catalyst crystalline phases, texture and active species reducibility were determined by XRD, N2 physisorption at -196 °C and H2-TPR, respectively; meanwhile the surface composition and copper-cerium electronic states were studied by XPS. The catalytic activity was evaluated in the oxidation of CO to CO2, in the 40-215 °C temperature range. Catalytic results evidenced that the samples prepared by a sol-gel methodology showed, after the impregnation, a severe decrease of specific surface area and pore volume attributable to a wide degree of pore blockage caused by the presence of metal oxide particles and a collapse of the structure partially burying the active sites. A simple co-impregnation of a zirconia support, obtained through facile and fast precipitation, provided instead a catalyst with very good redox properties and high dispersion of the active phases, which completely oxidizes CO in the range 115-215 °C with T50 of 65 °C. This higher observed activity was ascribed to the formation of a larger fraction of highly dispersed and easily reducible Cu species and ceria nanocrystallites, mainly present as Ce(IV), with an average size of 5 nm.

  4. In situ {sup 13}C MAS NMR study of n-hexane conversion on Pt and Pd supported on basic materials. II. On the mechanism of isomerization and hydrocracking

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ivanova, I.I.; Seirvert, M.; Pasau-Claerbout, A.

    {sup 13}C MAS NMR spectroscopy was performed in situ to investigate the mechanisms of n-hexane isomerization and hydrocracking on Pt and Pd supported on Al-stabilized magnesia (Pt/Mg(Al)O and Pd/Mg(Al)O), and Pt on KL zeolite (Pt/KL). All the catalysts had high metal dispersion, the metal particle sizes being 13, 11, and 18 {Angstrom}, respectively. n-Hexane 1-{sup 13}C was used for in situ label tracer experiments. {sup 13}C MAS NMR spectra were obtained during the time course of the reaction at 573 and 653 K. The NMR results were then quantified, and the reaction kinetics were studied. Identification of the primary andmore » secondary labeled reaction products led to the conclusion that both cyclic and bond-shift isomerization mechanisms operate on the three catalysts. In the case of Pt/Mg(Al)O, the cyclic mechanism accounts for 80% of the isomerization products. In the case of Pt/KL and Pd/Mg(Al)O, the contribution of bond-shift reactions increases due to restricted formation of the methylcyclopentane intermediate on the former and to suppressed hydrogenolysis of methylcyclopentane on the latter. A nonselective cyclic isomerization mechanism operates on magnesia catalysts, while on Pt/KL selective bisecondary bond rupturing occurs. Mechanistic pathways of bond-shift and hydrocracking reactions involve both 1,3- and 2,4-metallocyclobutane intermediates in the case of magnesia-supported catalysts, while in the case of the Pt/KL catalyst a 1,3-metallocyclobutane intermediate is preferentially formed. Only terminal scission occurs on Pt/KL. The Pd catalyst demonstrates enhanced activity in demethylation. The observed differences in the mechanistic pathways are explained on the basis of the specific properties of the metal and support. 64 refs., 14 figs., 6 tabs.« less

  5. Attrition resistant Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and support

    DOEpatents

    Singleton, Alan H.; Oukaci, Rachid; Goodwin, James G.

    2004-05-25

    A catalyst support having improved attrition resistance and a catalyst produced therefrom. The catalyst support is produced by a method comprising the step of treating calcined .gamma.-alumina having no catalytic material added thereto with an acidic aqueous solution having an acidity level effective for increasing the attrition resistance of the calcined .gamma.-alumina.

  6. Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity in Suzuki coupling and catalase-like reactions of new chitosan supported Pd catalyst.

    PubMed

    Baran, Talat; Inanan, Tülden; Menteş, Ayfer

    2016-07-10

    The aim of this study is to analyze the synthesis of a new chitosan supported Pd catalyst and examination of its catalytic activity in: Pd catalyst was synthesized using chitosan as a biomaterial and characterized with FTIR, TG/DTG, XRD, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, SEM-EDAX, ICP-OES, Uv-vis spectroscopies, and magnetic moment, along with molar conductivity analysis. Biomaterial supported Pd catalyst indicated high activity and long life time as well as excellent turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) values in Suzuki reaction. Biomaterial supported Pd catalyst catalyzed H2O2 decomposition reaction with considerable high activity using comparatively small loading catalyst (10mg). Redox potential of biomaterial supported Pd catalyst was still high without negligible loss (13% decrease) after 10 cycles in reusability tests. As a consequence, eco-friendly biomaterial supported Pd catalyst has superior properties such as high thermal stability, long life time, easy removal from reaction mixture and durability to air, moisture and high temperature. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Kinetics of NiO and NiCl2 Hydrogen Reduction as Precursors and Properties of Produced Ni/Al2O3 and Ni-Pd/Al2O3 Catalysts

    PubMed Central

    Sokić, Miroslav; Kamberović, Željko; Nikolić, Vesna; Marković, Branislav; Korać, Marija; Anđić, Zoran; Gavrilovski, Milorad

    2015-01-01

    The objects of this investigation were the comparative kinetic analysis of the NiO and NiCl2 reduction by hydrogen during an induction period and elimination of the calcination during the synthesis of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts. The effect of temperature and time on NiO and NiCl2 reduction degrees was studied. Avrami I equation was selected as the most favorable kinetic model and used to determine activation energy of the NiO and NiCl2 reduction for the investigated temperature range (623–923 K) and time intervals (1–5 minutes). The investigation enabled reaching conclusions about the reaction ability and rate of the reduction processes. Afterward, Ni/Al2O3 catalysts were obtained by using oxide and chloride precursor for Ni. The catalysts were supported on alumina-based foam and prepared via aerosol route. Properties of the samples before and after low-temperature hydrogen reduction (633 K) were compared. Obtained results indicated that the synthesis of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts can be more efficient if chloride precursor for Ni is directly reduced by hydrogen during the synthesis process, without the calcination step. In addition, Ni-Pd/Al2O3 catalysts with different metal content were prepared by using chloride precursors. Lower reduction temperature was utilized and the chlorides were almost completely reduced at 533 K. PMID:25789335

  8. Increasing round trip efficiency of hybrid Li-air battery with bifunctional catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Huang, K; Li, YF; Xing, YC

    2013-07-30

    Previously it was shown that Pt as cathode catalyst ha's a large overpotential during charge in rechargeable hybrid Li-air battery with sulfuric acid catholyte. This article demonstrates that a bifunctional catalyst composed of Pt and IrO2 supported on carbon nanotubes can address this problem. The specially designed and synthesized bifunctional catalyst showed significant overpotential reduction and achieved a round trip energy efficiency of 81% after 10 cycles, higher than many achieved in aprotic Li-O-2 batteries. The hybrid Li-air battery was discharged and recharged for 20 cycles at 0.2 mA/cm(2), showing a fairly stable cell performance. A specific capacity of 306more » mAh/g and a specific energy of 1110 Wh/kg were obtained for the hybrid Li-air battery in terms of acid weight. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

  9. A Ni(iii) complex stabilized by silica nanoparticles as an efficient nanoheterogeneous catalyst for oxidative C-H fluoroalkylation.

    PubMed

    Khrizanforov, Mikhail N; Fedorenko, Svetlana V; Strekalova, Sofia O; Kholin, Kirill V; Mustafina, Asiya R; Zhilkin, Mikhail Ye; Khrizanforova, Vera V; Osin, Yuri N; Salnikov, Vadim V; Gryaznova, Tatyana V; Budnikova, Yulia H

    2016-07-26

    We have developed Ni(III)-doped silica nanoparticles ([(bpy)xNi(III)]@SiO2) as a recyclable, low-leaching, and efficient oxidative functionalization nanocatalyst for aromatic C-H bonds. The catalyst is obtained by doping the complex [(bpy)3Ni(II)] on silica nanoparticles along with its subsequent electrooxidation to [(bpy)xNi(III)] without an additional oxidant. The coupling reaction of arenes with perfluoroheptanoic acid occurs with 100% conversion of reactants in a single step at room temperature under nanoheterogeneous conditions. The catalyst content is only 1% with respect to the substrates under electrochemical regeneration conditions. The catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture and reused a minimum of five times. The results emphasize immobilization on the silica support and the electrochemical regeneration of Ni(III) complexes as a facile route for developing an efficient nanocatalyst for oxidative functionalization.

  10. Effect of Gold Nanoparticles Addition to CuO–ZnO/A₂O₃ Catalyst in Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol.

    PubMed

    Kim, Ki-Joong; Ahn, Ho-Geun

    2017-04-01

    Hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methanol (CH₃OH) was carried out in the CuO–ZnO based supported gold catalyst prepared by the co-precipitation method. When gold nanoparticles were added to the CuO–ZnO/Al2O₃ catalysts (CuO–ZnO/Au/Al₂O₃), the CO₂ conversion and CH₃OH yield were increased (two times higher than that of CuO–ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst) with increasing reaction pressure, but selectivity of CH3OH was decreased. The main reason of this result could suggest the importance gold-oxides interface in CH₃OH formation through hydrogenation of CO₂. Maximum selectivity and yield to CH₃OH over CuO–ZnO/Au/Al₂O₃ were obtained at 250°C and under 15–20 bars.

  11. Cooperative catalysis by tertiary amino-thioureas: mechanism and basis for enantioselectivity of ketone cyanosilylation.

    PubMed

    Zuend, Stephan J; Jacobsen, Eric N

    2007-12-26

    The mechanism of the enantioselective cyanosilylation of ketones catalyzed by tertiary amino-thiourea derivatives was investigated using a combination of experimental and theoretical methods. The kinetic analysis is consistent with a cooperative mechanism in which both the thiourea and the tertiary amine of the catalyst are involved productively in the rate-limiting cyanide addition step. Density functional theory calculations were used to distinguish between mechanisms involving thiourea activation of ketone or of cyanide in the enantioselectivity-determining step. The strong correlation obtained between experimental and calculated ee's for a range of substrates and catalysts provides support for the most favorable calculated transition structures involving amine-bound HCN adding to thiourea-bound ketone. The calculations suggest that enantioselectivity arises from direct interactions between the ketone substrate and the amino-acid derived portion of the catalyst. On the basis of this insight, more enantioselective catalysts with broader substrate scope were prepared and evaluated experimentally.

  12. Enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability of monodisperse Pt nanocomposites for direct methanol fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Eris, Sinan; Daşdelen, Zeynep; Sen, Fatih

    2018-03-01

    Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are one of the most important fuel cells operating at low temperature using methanol as fuel and they need very efficient catalysts to activate the methanol. Generally, the most efficient fuel cell catalysts are platinum-based nanoparticles that can be used by different supporting materials such as different as prepared and functionalized carbon derivatives. For this purpose, herein, the carbon black has been mainly functionalized with an acidification process in order to increase the electrical conductivity and heterogeneous electron transfer rate of supporting materials. After functionalization of carbon black (f-CB), platinum salt (PtCl 4 ) was stabilized with propylamine (PA) in the presence of ethylene glycol (EG) and f-CB by microwave synthesis method. XPS, XRD, TEM and Raman Spectroscopy techniques were used to determine the morphology of the prepared catalyst. The results showed that the prepared nanocatalyst has face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and uniformly distribution on supporting material. Besides, chronoamperometry (CA) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques were used to determine the electrochemical activity of functionalized carbon black supported Pt NPs (Pt/f-CB) towards methanol. From the results obtained from the CV and CA, it was found that the activity of the Pt/f-CB NPs (50 mA/cm 2 ) was almost 4-5 times higher than that of the Pt/CB NPs and commercial available Pt/C catalyst (ETEK). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Oxidation catalysts on alkaline earth supports

    DOEpatents

    Mohajeri, Nahid

    2017-03-21

    An oxidation catalyst includes a support including particles of an alkaline earth salt, and first particles including a palladium compound on the support. The oxidation catalyst can also include precious metal group (PMG) metal particles in addition to the first particles intermixed together on the support. A gas permeable polymer that provides a continuous phase can completely encapsulate the particles and the support. The oxidation catalyst may be used as a gas sensor, where the first particles are chemochromic particles.

  14. Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Ethanol over Nickel Catalysts Supported on Sol Gel Made Alumina: Influence of Calcination Temperature on Supports

    PubMed Central

    Yaakob, Zahira; Bshish, Ahmed; Ebshish, Ali; Tasirin, Siti Masrinda; Alhasan, Fatah H.

    2013-01-01

    Selecting a proper support in the catalyst system plays an important role in hydrogen production via ethanol steam reforming. In this study, sol gel made alumina supports prepared for nickel (Ni) catalysts were calcined at different temperatures. A series of (Ni/AlS.G.) catalysts were synthesized by an impregnation procedure. The influence of varying the calcination temperature of the sol gel made supports on catalyst activity was tested in ethanol reforming reaction. The characteristics of the sol gel alumina supports and Ni catalysts were affected by the calcination temperature of the supports. The structure of the sol gel made alumina supports was transformed in the order of γ → (γ + θ) → θ-alumina as the calcination temperature of the supports increased from 600 °C to 1000 °C. Both hydrogen yield and ethanol conversion presented a volcano-shaped behavior with maximum values of 4.3 mol/mol ethanol fed and 99.5%, respectively. The optimum values were exhibited over Ni/AlS.G800 (Ni catalyst supported on sol gel made alumina calcined at 800 °C). The high performance of the Ni/AlS.G800 catalyst may be attributed to the strong interaction of Ni species and sol gel made alumina which lead to high nickel dispersion and small particle size. PMID:28809270

  15. Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Ethanol over Nickel Catalysts Supported on Sol Gel Made Alumina: Influence of Calcination Temperature on Supports.

    PubMed

    Yaakob, Zahira; Bshish, Ahmed; Ebshish, Ali; Tasirin, Siti Masrinda; Alhasan, Fatah H

    2013-05-30

    Selecting a proper support in the catalyst system plays an important role in hydrogen production via ethanol steam reforming. In this study, sol gel made alumina supports prepared for nickel (Ni) catalysts were calcined at different temperatures. A series of (Ni/Al S.G. ) catalysts were synthesized by an impregnation procedure. The influence of varying the calcination temperature of the sol gel made supports on catalyst activity was tested in ethanol reforming reaction. The characteristics of the sol gel alumina supports and Ni catalysts were affected by the calcination temperature of the supports. The structure of the sol gel made alumina supports was transformed in the order of γ → (γ + θ) → θ-alumina as the calcination temperature of the supports increased from 600 °C to 1000 °C. Both hydrogen yield and ethanol conversion presented a volcano-shaped behavior with maximum values of 4.3 mol/mol ethanol fed and 99.5%, respectively. The optimum values were exhibited over Ni/Al S.G800 (Ni catalyst supported on sol gel made alumina calcined at 800 °C). The high performance of the Ni/Al S.G800 catalyst may be attributed to the strong interaction of Ni species and sol gel made alumina which lead to high nickel dispersion and small particle size.

  16. One-Pot Synthesis of Mesoporous Ni-Ti-Al Ternary Oxides: Highly Active and Selective Catalysts for Steam Reforming of Ethanol.

    PubMed

    Gonçalves, Alexandre A S; Faustino, Patrícia B; Assaf, José M; Jaroniec, Mietek

    2017-02-22

    One-pot synthesis of nanostructured ternary oxides of Ni, Al, and Ti was designed and performed via evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA). For the purpose of comparison, analogous oxides were also prepared by the impregnation method. The resulting materials were applied in two catalytic reactions: steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) for H 2 production (subjected to prior activation with H 2 ) and ethanol dehydration (ED; used without prior activation), to in situ analyze carbon accumulation by ethylene depletion when ethanol interacts with acidic sites present on the support. Modification of Ni-Al mixed oxides with titania was shown to have several benefits. CO 2 , NH 3 , and propylamine sorption data indicate a decrease in the strength of acidic and basic sites after addition of titania, which in turn slowed down the carbon accumulation during the ED reaction. These changes in interactions between ethanol and byproducts with the support led to different reaction pathways in SRE, indicating that the catalysts obtained by EISA with titania addition showed higher ethylene selectivity and CO 2 /CO ratios. The opposite was observed for the impregnated catalysts, which were less coke-stable during ED reactions and showed no ethylene selectivity in SRE. Carbon formed during ED reactions was shown to be thermodynamically less favorable and easier to decompose in the presence of titania. All catalysts studied displayed similar and high selectivities (∼80%) and yields (∼5.3 mol H2 /mol ethanol ) toward H 2 , which place them among the most active and selective catalysts for SRE. These results indicate the importance of tailoring the support surface acidity to achieve high reforming performance and higher selectivity toward SRE, one of the key processes to produce cleaner and efficient fuels. For an efficient reforming process, the yield of byproducts is low but still they affect the catalyst stability in the long-run, thus this work may impact future studies toward development of near-zero coke catalysts.

  17. Mild oxidation of methane to methanol or acetic acid on supported isolated rhodium catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shan, Junjun; Li, Mengwei; Allard, Lawrence F.

    An efficient and direct method of catalytic conversion of methane to liquid methanol and other oxygenates would be of considerable practical value. However, it remains an unsolved problem in catalysis, as typically it involves expensive or corrosive oxidants or reaction media(5-8) that are not amenable to commercialization. Although methane can be directly converted to methanol using molecular oxygen under mild conditions in the gas phase, the process is either stoichiometric (and therefore requires a water extraction step) or is too slow and low-yielding to be practical. Methane could, in principle, also be transformed through direct oxidative carbonylation to acetic acid,more » which is commercially obtained through methane steam reforming, methanol synthesis, and subsequent methanol carbonylation on homogeneous catalysts. However, an effective catalyst for the direct carbonylation of methane to acetic acid, which might enable the economical small-scale utilization of natural gas that is currently flared or stranded, has not yet been reported. Here we show that mononuclear rhodium species, anchored on a zeolite or titanium dioxide support suspended in aqueous solution, catalyse the direct conversion of methane to methanol and acetic acid, using oxygen and carbon monoxide under mild conditions. Here, we find that the two products form through independent pathways, which allows us to tune the conversion: three-hour-long batch-reactor tests conducted at 150 degrees Celsius, using either the zeolitesupported or the titanium-dioxide-supported catalyst, yield around 22,000 micromoles of acetic acid per gram of catalyst, or around 230 micromoles of methanol per gram of catalyst, respectively, with selectivities of 60-100 per cent. Finally, we anticipate that these unusually high activities, despite still being too low for commercial application, may guide the development of optimized catalysts and practical processes for the direct conversion of methane to methanol, acetic acid and other useful chemicals.« less

  18. Mild oxidation of methane to methanol or acetic acid on supported isolated rhodium catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    Shan, Junjun; Li, Mengwei; Allard, Lawrence F.; ...

    2017-11-30

    An efficient and direct method of catalytic conversion of methane to liquid methanol and other oxygenates would be of considerable practical value. However, it remains an unsolved problem in catalysis, as typically it involves expensive or corrosive oxidants or reaction media(5-8) that are not amenable to commercialization. Although methane can be directly converted to methanol using molecular oxygen under mild conditions in the gas phase, the process is either stoichiometric (and therefore requires a water extraction step) or is too slow and low-yielding to be practical. Methane could, in principle, also be transformed through direct oxidative carbonylation to acetic acid,more » which is commercially obtained through methane steam reforming, methanol synthesis, and subsequent methanol carbonylation on homogeneous catalysts. However, an effective catalyst for the direct carbonylation of methane to acetic acid, which might enable the economical small-scale utilization of natural gas that is currently flared or stranded, has not yet been reported. Here we show that mononuclear rhodium species, anchored on a zeolite or titanium dioxide support suspended in aqueous solution, catalyse the direct conversion of methane to methanol and acetic acid, using oxygen and carbon monoxide under mild conditions. Here, we find that the two products form through independent pathways, which allows us to tune the conversion: three-hour-long batch-reactor tests conducted at 150 degrees Celsius, using either the zeolitesupported or the titanium-dioxide-supported catalyst, yield around 22,000 micromoles of acetic acid per gram of catalyst, or around 230 micromoles of methanol per gram of catalyst, respectively, with selectivities of 60-100 per cent. Finally, we anticipate that these unusually high activities, despite still being too low for commercial application, may guide the development of optimized catalysts and practical processes for the direct conversion of methane to methanol, acetic acid and other useful chemicals.« less

  19. Hydrogen production by steam reforming of liquefied natural gas (LNG) over nickel catalysts supported on cationic surfactant-templated mesoporous aluminas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seo, Jeong Gil; Youn, Min Hye; Park, Sunyoung; Jung, Ji Chul; Kim, Pil; Chung, Jin Suk; Song, In Kyu

    Two types of mesoporous γ-aluminas (denoted as A-A and A-S) are prepared by a hydrothermal method under different basic conditions using cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) as a templating agent. A-A and A-S are synthesized in a medium of ammonia solution and sodium hydroxide solution, respectively. Ni/γ-Al 2O 3 catalysts (Ni/A-A and Ni/A-S) are then prepared by an impregnation method, and are applied to hydrogen production by steam reforming of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The effect of a mesoporous γ-Al 2O 3 support on the catalytic performance of Ni/γ-Al 2O 3 is investigated. The identity of basic solution strongly affects the physical properties of the A-A and A-S supports. The high surface-area of the mesoporous γ-aluminas and the strong metal-support interaction of supported catalysts greatly enhance the dispersion of nickel species on the catalyst surface. The well-developed mesopores of the Ni/A-A and Ni/A-S catalysts prohibit the polymerization of carbon species on the catalyst surface during the reaction. In the steam reforming of LNG, both Ni/A-A and Ni/A-S catalysts give better catalytic performance than the nickel catalyst supported on commercial γ-Al 2O 3 (Ni/A-C). In addition, the Ni/A-A catalyst is superior to the Ni/A-S catalyst. The relatively strong metal-support interaction of Ni/A-A catalyst effectively suppresses the sintering of metallic nickel and the carbon deposition in the steam reforming of LNG. The large pores of the Ni/A-A catalyst also play an important role in enhancing internal mass transfer during the reaction.

  20. A study on pyrolysis of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) with titania based catalysts for bio-fuel production.

    PubMed

    Aysu, Tevfik

    2016-11-01

    The catalytic pyrolysis of Cirsium arvense was performed with titania supported catalysts under the operating conditions of 500°C, 40°C/min heating rate, 100mL/min N2 flow rate in a fixed bed reactor for biofuel production. The effect of catalysts on product yields was investigated. The amount of pyrolysis products (bio-char, bio-oil, gas) and the composition of the produced bio-oils were determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and elemental analysis (EA) techniques. Thistle bio-oils had lower O/C and H/C molar ratios compared to feedstock. The highest bio-char and bio-oil yields of 29.32wt% and 36.71wt% were obtained in the presence of Ce/TiO2 and Ni/TiO2 catalysts respectively. GC-MS identified 97 different compounds in the bio-oils obtained from thistle pyrolysis. (1)H NMR analysis showed that the bio-oils contained ∼55-77% aliphatic and ∼6-19% aromatic structural units. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Synthesis and characterization of catalysts for the selective transformation of biomass-derived materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghampson, Isaac Tyrone

    The experimental work in this thesis focuses on generating catalysts for two intermediate processes related to the thermal conversion of lignocellulosic biomass: the synthesis and characterization of mesoporous silica supported cobalt catalysts for the Fischer-Tropsch reaction, and an exploration of the reactivity of bulk and supported molybdenum-based nitride catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of guaiacol, a lignin model compound. The first section of the work details the synthesis of a series of silica-supported cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts with pore diameters ranging from 2-23 nm. Detailed X-ray diffraction measurements were used to determine the composition and particle diameters of the metal fraction, analyzed as a three-phase system containing Cofcc, Cohcp and CoO particles. Catalyst properties were determined at three stages in catalyst history: (1) after the initial calcination step to thermally decompose the catalyst precursor into Co3O4, (2) after the hydrogen reduction step to activate the catalyst to Co and (3) after the FT reaction. From the study, it was observed that larger pore diameters supported higher turnover frequency; smaller pore diameters yielded larger mole fraction of CoO; XRD on post-reduction and post-FTS catalyst samples indicated significant changes in dispersivity after reduction. In the next section, the catalytic behaviors of unsupported, activated carbon-, alumina-, and SBA-15 mesoporous silica-supported molybdenum nitride catalysts were evaluated for the hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol (2-methoxy phenol) at 300°C and 5 MPa. The nitride catalysts were prepared by thermal decomposition of bulk and supported ammonium heptamolybdate to form MoO 3 followed by nitridation in either flowing ammonia or a nitrogen/hydrogen mixture. The catalytic properties were strongly affected by the nitriding and purging treatment as well as the physical and chemical properties of support. The overall reaction was influenced by the crystalline phase present in the catalyst, dispersion of molybdenum nitride/oxynitride, and the porosity of the support. The hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol followed two proposed reaction pathways: demethylation (DME) of guaiacol to form catechol, followed by dehydroxylation to form phenol; or a direct demethoxylation (DMO) to form phenol. The selectivity of the reaction was expressed in terms of the phenol/catechol ratio. Phenol was the predominant product for all the catalysts studied, except for the alumina-supported catalysts (an effect of the alumina support). The results from this thesis are encouraging for the application of Mo nitride based catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation of whole pyrolysis oil.

  2. Different routes to methanol: Inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy of adsorbates on supported copper catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    Kandemir, Timur; Friedrich, Matthias; Parker, Stewart F.; ...

    2016-04-14

    We have investigated methanol synthesis with model supported copper catalysts, Cu/ZnO and Cu/MgO, using CO/H 2 and CO 2/H 2 as feedstocks. Under CO/H 2 both catalysts show chemisorbed methoxy as a stable intermediate, the Cu/MgO catalyst also shows hydroxyls on the support. Under CO 2/H 2 the catalysts behave differently, in that formate is also seen on the catalyst. For the Cu/ZnO catalyst hydroxyls are present on the metal whereas for the Cu/MgO hydroxyls are found on the support. Furthermore, these results are consistent with a recently published model for methanol synthesis and highlight the key role of ZnOmore » in the process.« less

  3. Triphenylphosphine as Ligand for Room Temperature Ni(0)-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Aryl Chlorides with Arylboronic Acids

    PubMed Central

    Tang, Zhen-Yu; Hu, Qiao-Sheng

    2008-01-01

    Room temperature Ni(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of deactivated aryl chlorides with arylboronic acids with inexpensive triphenylphosphine (PPh3) as a supporting ligand have been accomplished in good to excellent yields. Air-stable Ni(PPh3)2Cl2 has also been established as catalyst precursor and highly active nickel catalysts were obtained when the reduction of Ni(PPh3)2Cl2 with n-BuLi was carried out in presence of an aryl chloride. PMID:16497011

  4. A Simple Primary Amine Catalyst for Enantioselective α-Hydroxylations and α-Fluorinations of Branched Aldehydes.

    PubMed

    Witten, Michael R; Jacobsen, Eric N

    2015-06-05

    A new primary amine catalyst for the asymmetric α-hydroxylation and α-fluorination of α-branched aldehydes is described. The products of the title transformations are generated in excellent yields with high enantioselectivities. Both processes can be performed within short reaction times and on gram scale. The similarity in results obtained in both reactions, combined with computational evidence, implies a common basis for stereoinduction and the possibility of a general catalytic mechanism for α-functionalizations. Promising initial results in α-amination and α-chlorination reactions support this hypothesis.

  5. Hydrolysis of Hemicellulose and Derivatives-A Review of Recent Advances in the Production of Furfural.

    PubMed

    Delbecq, Frederic; Wang, Yantao; Muralidhara, Anitha; El Ouardi, Karim; Marlair, Guy; Len, Christophe

    2018-01-01

    Biobased production of furfural has been known for decades. Nevertheless, bioeconomy and circular economy concepts is much more recent and has motivated a regain of interest of dedicated research to improve production modes and expand potential uses. Accordingly, this review paper aims essentially at outlining recent breakthroughs obtained in the field of furfural production from sugars and polysaccharides feedstocks. The review discusses advances obtained in major production pathways recently explored splitting in the following categories: (i) non-catalytic routes like use of critical solvents or hot water pretreatment, (ii) use of various homogeneous catalysts like mineral or organic acids, metal salts or ionic liquids, (iii) feedstock dehydration making use of various solid acid catalysts; (iv) feedstock dehydration making use of supported catalysts, (v) other heterogeneous catalytic routes. The paper also briefly overviews current understanding of furfural chemical synthesis and its underpinning mechanism as well as safety issues pertaining to the substance. Eventually, some remaining research topics are put in perspective for further optimization of biobased furfural production.

  6. Hydrolysis of hemicellulose and derivatives – A review of recent advances in the production of furfural

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Delbecq, Frederic; Wang, Yantao; Muralidhara, Anitha; El Ouardi, Karim; Marlair, Guy; Len, Christophe

    2018-05-01

    Biobased production of furfural has been known for decades. Nevertheless, bioeconomy and circular economy concepts is much more recent and has motivated a regain of interest of dedicated research to improve production modes and expand potential uses. Accordingly, this review paper aims essentially at outlining recent breakthroughs obtained in the field of furfural production from sugars and polysaccharides feedstocks. The review discusses advances obtained in major production pathways recently explored splitting in the following categories: i) non-catalytic routes like use of critical solvents or hot water pretreatment, ii) use of various homogeneous catalysts like mineral or organic acids, metal salts or ionic liquids, iii) feedstock dehydration making use of various solid acid catalysts; iv) feedstock dehydration making use of supported catalysts, v) other heterogeneous catalytic routes. The paper also briefly overviews current understanding of furfural chemical synthesis and its underpinning mechanism as well as safety issues pertaining to the substance. Eventually, some remaining research topics are put in perspective for further optimization of biobased furfural production.

  7. Nitrogen-doped carbon-supported cobalt-iron oxygen reduction catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Zelenay, Piotr; Wu, Gang

    2014-04-29

    A Fe--Co hybrid catalyst for oxygen reaction reduction was prepared by a two part process. The first part involves reacting an ethyleneamine with a cobalt-containing precursor to form a cobalt-containing complex, combining the cobalt-containing complex with an electroconductive carbon supporting material, heating the cobalt-containing complex and carbon supporting material under conditions suitable to convert the cobalt-containing complex and carbon supporting material into a cobalt-containing catalyst support. The second part of the process involves polymerizing an aniline in the presence of said cobalt-containing catalyst support and an iron-containing compound under conditions suitable to form a supported, cobalt-containing, iron-bound polyaniline species, and subjecting said supported, cobalt-containing, iron bound polyaniline species to conditions suitable for producing a Fe--Co hybrid catalyst.

  8. Technology development for cobalt F-T catalysts. Quarterly technical progress report number 10, January 1--March 31, 1995

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Singleton, A.H.

    1995-06-28

    The goal of this project is the development of a commercially-viable, cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) catalyst for use in a slurry bubble column reactor. The major objectives of this work are (1) to develop a cobalt-based F-T catalyst with low (< 5%) methane selectivity, (2) to develop a cobalt-based F-T catalyst with water-gas shift activity, and (3) to combine both these improvements into one catalyst. The project consists of five major tasks: catalyst development; catalyst testing; catalyst reproducibility tests; catalyst aging tests; and preliminary design and cost estimate for a demonstrate scale catalyst production facility. Technical accomplishments during this reporting periodmore » include the following. It appears that the higher activity obtained for the catalysts prepared using an organic solution and reduced directly without prior calcination was the result of higher dispersions obtained under such pretreatment. A Ru-promoted Co catalyst on alumina with 30% Co loading exhibited a 4-fold increase in dispersion and a 2-fold increase in activity in the fixed-bed reactor from that obtained with the non-promoted catalyst. Several reactor runs have again focused on pushing conversion to higher levels. The maximum conversion obtained has been 49.7% with 26g catalyst. Further investigations of the effect of reaction temperature on the performance of Co catalysts during F-T synthesis were started using a low activity catalyst and one of the most active catalysts. The three 1 kg catalyst batches prepared by Calsicat for the reproducibility and aging studies were tested in both the fixed-bed and slurry bubble column reactors under the standard reaction conditions. The effects of adding various promoters to some cobalt catalysts have also been addressed. Results are presented and discussed.« less

  9. Carbon nitride supported Fe2 cluster catalysts with superior performance for alkene epoxidation.

    PubMed

    Tian, Shubo; Fu, Qiang; Chen, Wenxing; Feng, Quanchen; Chen, Zheng; Zhang, Jian; Cheong, Weng-Chon; Yu, Rong; Gu, Lin; Dong, Juncai; Luo, Jun; Chen, Chen; Peng, Qing; Draxl, Claudia; Wang, Dingsheng; Li, Yadong

    2018-06-15

    Sub-nano metal clusters often exhibit unique and unexpected properties, which make them particularly attractive as catalysts. Herein, we report a "precursor-preselected" wet-chemistry strategy to synthesize highly dispersed Fe 2 clusters that are supported on mesoporous carbon nitride (mpg-C 3 N 4 ). The obtained Fe 2 /mpg-C 3 N 4 sample exhibits superior catalytic performance for the epoxidation of trans-stilbene to trans-stilbene oxide, showing outstanding selectivity of 93% at high conversion of 91%. Molecular oxygen is the only oxidant and no aldehyde is used as co-reagent. Under the same condition, by contrast, iron porphyrin, single-atom Fe, and small Fe nanoparticles (ca. 3 nm) are nearly reactively inert. First-principles calculations reveal that the unique reactivity of the Fe 2 clusters originates from the formation of active oxygen species. The general applicability of the synthesis approach is further demonstrated by producing other diatomic clusters like Pd 2 and Ir 2 , which lays the foundation for discovering diatomic cluster catalysts.

  10. Enhanced activity of Au-Fe/C anodic electrocatalyst for direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yi, Lanhua; Wei, Wei; Zhao, Caixian; Tian, Li; Liu, Jing; Wang, Xianyou

    2015-07-01

    Carbon supported Au-Fe bimetallic nanocatalysts (Au-Fe/C) are facilely prepared via a modified NaBH4 reduction method in aqueous solution at room temperature, and used as the anode electrocatalyst of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DBHFC). The physical and electrochemical properties of the Au-Fe/C electrocatalysts are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disc electrode (RDE) voltammetry, chronoamperometry (CA), chronopotentiometry (CP), and fuel cell test. The results show that Au-Fe/C catalysts display higher catalytic activity for the direct electrooxidation of BH4- than carbon supported pure Au nanocatalyst (Au/C), especially Au50Fe50/C catalyst presents the highest catalytic activity among all as-prepared catalysts. Besides, the single DBHFC with Au50Fe50/C anode and Au/C cathode obtains the maximum power density as high as 34.9 mW cm-2 at 25 °C.

  11. Green synthesis of the Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide using barberry fruit extract and its application as a recyclable and heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of nitroarenes.

    PubMed

    Nasrollahzadeh, Mahmoud; Sajadi, S Mohammad; Rostami-Vartooni, Akbar; Alizadeh, Mohammad; Bagherzadeh, Mojtaba

    2016-03-15

    Through this manuscript the green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (Pd NPs/RGO) under the mild conditions through reduction of the graphene oxide and Pd(2+) ions using barberry fruit extract as reducing and stabilizing agent is reported. The as-prepared Pd NPs/RGO was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The Pd NPs/RGO could be used as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of nitroarenes using sodium borohydride in an environmental friendly medium. Excellent yields of products were obtained with a wide range of substrates and the catalyst was recycled multiple times without any significant loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Direct correlation between adsorption energetics and nuclear spin relaxation in liquid-saturated catalyst material.

    PubMed

    Robinson, Neil; Robertson, Christopher; Gladden, Lynn F; Jenkins, Stephen J; D'Agostino, Carmine

    2018-06-20

    The ratio of NMR relaxation time constants T1/T2 provides a non-destructive indication of the relative surface affinities exhibited by adsorbates within liquid-saturated mesoporous catalysts. In the present work we provide supporting evidence for the existence of a quantitative relationship between such measurements and adsorption energetics. As a prototypical example with relevance to green chemical processes we examine and contrast the relaxation characteristics of primary alcohols and cyclohexane within an industrial silica catalyst support. T1/T2 values obtained at intermediate magnetic field strength are in good agreement with DFT adsorption energy calculations performed on single molecules interacting with an idealised silica surface. Our results demonstrate the remarkable ability of this metric to quantify surface affinities within systems of relevance to liquid-phase heterogeneous catalysis, and highlight NMR relaxation as a powerful method for the determination of adsorption phenomena within mesoporous solids. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. To alloy or not to alloy? Cr modified Pt/C cathode catalysts for PEM fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Wells, Peter P; Qian, Yangdong; King, Colin R; Wiltshire, Richard J K; Crabb, Eleanor M; Smart, Lesley E; Thompsett, David; Russell, Andrea E

    2008-01-01

    The cathode electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are commonly platinum and platinum based alloy nanoparticles dispersed on a carbon support. Control over the particle size and composition has, historically, been attained empirically, making systematic studies of the effects of various structural parameters difficult. The controlled surface modification methodology used in this work has enabled the controlled modification of carbon supported Pt nanoparticles by Cr so as to yield nanoalloy particles with defined compositions. Subsequent heat treatment in 5% H2 in N2 resulted in the formation of a distinct Pt3Cr alloy phase which was either restricted to the surface of the particles or present throughout the bulk of the particle structure. Measurement of the oxygen reduction activity of the catalysts was accomplished using the rotating thin film electrode method and the activities obtained were related to the structure of the nanoalloy catalyst particles, largely determined using Cr K edge and Pt L3 edge XAS.

  14. Catalyst support structure, catalyst including the structure, reactor including a catalyst, and methods of forming same

    DOEpatents

    Van Norman, Staci A.; Aston, Victoria J.; Weimer, Alan W.

    2017-05-09

    Structures, catalysts, and reactors suitable for use for a variety of applications, including gas-to-liquid and coal-to-liquid processes and methods of forming the structures, catalysts, and reactors are disclosed. The catalyst material can be deposited onto an inner wall of a microtubular reactor and/or onto porous tungsten support structures using atomic layer deposition techniques.

  15. Supported catalyst systems and method of making biodiesel products using such catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Kim, Manhoe; Yan, Shuli; Salley, Steven O.; Ng, K. Y. Simon

    2015-10-20

    A heterogeneous catalyst system, a method of preparing the catalyst system and a method of forming a biodiesel product via transesterification reactions using the catalyst system is disclosed. The catalyst system according to one aspect of the present disclosure represents a class of supported mixed metal oxides that include at least calcium oxide and another metal oxide deposited on a lanthanum oxide or cerium oxide support. Preferably, the catalysts include CaO--CeO.sub.2ZLa.sub.2O.sub.3 or CaO--La.sub.2O.sub.3/CeO.sub.2. Optionally, the catalyst may further include additional metal oxides, such as CaO--La.sub.2O.sub.3--GdOxZLa.sub.2O.sub.3.

  16. Hierarchical nanostructured hollow spherical carbon with mesoporous shell as a unique cathode catalyst support in proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

    PubMed

    Fang, Baizeng; Kim, Jung Ho; Kim, Minsik; Kim, Minwoo; Yu, Jong-Sung

    2009-03-07

    Hierarchical nanostructured spherical carbon with hollow macroporous core in combination with mesoporous shell has been explored to support Pt cathode catalyst with high metal loading in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The hollow core-mesoporous shell carbon (HCMSC) has unique structural characteristics such as large specific surface area and mesoporous volume, ensuring uniform dispersion of the supported high loading (60 wt%) Pt nanoparticles with small particle size, and well-developed three-dimensionally interconnected hierarchical porosity network, facilitating fast mass transport. The HCMSC-supported Pt(60 wt%) cathode catalyst has demonstrated markedly enhanced catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction and greatly improved PEMFC polarization performance compared with carbon black Vulcan XC-72 (VC)-supported ones. Furthermore, the HCMSC-supported Pt(40 wt%) or Pt(60 wt%) outperforms the HCMSC-supported Pt(20 wt%) even at a low catalyst loading of 0.2 mg Pt cm(-2) in the cathode, which is completely different from the VC-supported Pt catalysts. The capability of supporting high loading Pt is supposed to accelerate the commercialization of PEMFC due to the anticipated significant reduction in the amount of catalyst support required, diffusion layer thickness and fabricating cost of the supported Pt catalyst electrode.

  17. Long life hydrocarbon conversion catalyst and method of making

    DOEpatents

    Tonkovich, Anna Lee Y [Pasco, WA; Wang, Yong [Richland, WA; Gao, Yufei [Kennewick, WA

    2002-11-12

    The present invention includes a catalyst that has at least four layers, (1) porous support, (2) buffer layer, (3) interfacial layer, and optionally (4) catalyst layer. The buffer layer provides a transition of thermal expansion coefficient from the porous support to the interfacial layer thereby reducing thermal expansion stress as the catalyst is heated to high operating temperatures. The method of the present invention for making the at least three layer catalyst has the steps of (1) selecting a porous support, (2) solution depositing an interfacial layer thereon, and optionally (3) depositing a catalyst material onto the interfacial layer; wherein the improvement comprises (4) depositing a buffer layer between the porous support and the interfacial layer.

  18. Chalcogen catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cell

    DOEpatents

    Alonso-Vante, Nicolas [Buxerolles, FR; Zelenay, Piotr [Los Alamos, NM; Choi, Jong-Ho [Los Alamos, NM; Wieckowski, Andrzej [Champaign, IL; Cao, Dianxue [Urbana, IL

    2009-09-15

    A methanol-tolerant cathode catalyst and a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells that includes such a cathode catalyst. The cathode catalyst includes a support having at least one transition metal in elemental form and a chalcogen disposed on the support. Methods of making the cathode catalyst and membrane electrode assembly are also described.

  19. Chalcogen catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cell

    DOEpatents

    Zelenay, Piotr; Choi, Jong-Ho; Alonso-Vante, Nicolas; Wieckowski, Andrzej; Cao, Dianxue

    2010-08-24

    A methanol-tolerant cathode catalyst and a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells that includes such a cathode catalyst. The cathode catalyst includes a support having at least one transition metal in elemental form and a chalcogen disposed on the support. Methods of making the cathode catalyst and membrane electrode assembly are also described.

  20. Catalyst and process for converting synthesis gas to liquid motor fuels

    DOEpatents

    Coughlin, Peter K.

    1987-01-01

    The addition of an inert metal component, such as gold, silver or copper, to a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising cobalt enables said catalyst to convert synthesis gas to liquid motor fuels at about 240.degree.-370.degree. C. with advantageously reduced selectivity of said cobalt for methane in said conversion. The catalyst composition can advantageously include a support component, such as a molecular sieve, co-catalyst/support component or a combination of such support components.

  1. Catalyst for converting synthesis gas to liquid motor fuels

    DOEpatents

    Coughlin, Peter K.

    1986-01-01

    The addition of an inert metal component, such as gold, silver or copper, to a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising cobalt enables said catalyst to convert synthesis gas to liquid motor fuels at about 240.degree.-370.degree. C. with advantageously reduced selectivity of said cobalt for methane in said conversion. The catalyst composition can advantageously include a support component, such as a molecular sieve, co-catalyst/support component or a combination of such support components.

  2. Low-temperature synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes with a narrow diameter distribution using size-classified catalyst nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kondo, Daiyu; Sato, Shintaro; Awano, Yuji

    2006-05-01

    Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with a narrow diameter distribution have been synthesized by hot-filament chemical vapor deposition using acetylene at 590 °C. Iron nanoparticles with diameters of 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 nm (standard deviation: ≈10%) obtained with a differential mobility analyzer were used as a catalyst without any supporting materials on a substrate. SWNTs were obtained from 2.0 nm or smaller particles. The ratio of G band to D band in Raman spectra was as high as 35 without purification, indicating that high-quality SWNTs were synthesized. The SWNT diameters correlated with the particle diameters, demonstrating diameter-controlled SWNT growth.

  3. High thermal stability of La 2O 3 and CeO 2-stabilized tetragonal ZrO 2

    DOE PAGES

    Wang, Shichao; Xie, Hong; Lin, Yuyuan; ...

    2016-02-15

    Catalyst support materials of tetragonal ZrO 2, stabilized by either La 2O 3 (La 2O 3-ZrO 2) or CeO 2 (CeO 2-ZrO 2), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at 200 °C with NH 4OH or tetramethylammonium hydroxide as the mineralizer. From In Situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements, the calcined La 2O 3-ZrO 2 and CeO 2-ZrO 2 supports were nonporous nanocrystallites that exhibited rectangular shapes with thermal stability up to 1000 °C in air. These supports had an average size of ~10 nm and a surface area of 59-97 m 2/g. The catalysts Pt/La 2Omore » 3-ZrO 2 and Pt/CeO 2-ZrO 2 were prepared by using atomic layer deposition with varying Pt loadings from 6.3-12.4 wt %. Mono-dispersed Pt nanoparticles of ~3 nm were obtained for these catalysts. As a result, the incorporation of La 2O 3 and CeO 2 into the t-ZrO 2 structure did not affect the nature of the active sites for the Pt/ZrO 2 catalysts for the water-gas-shift (WGS) reaction.« less

  4. A comparative investigation of metal-support interactions on the catalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles for ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Godoi, Denis R. M.; Villullas, Hebe M.; Zhu, Fu-Chun; Jiang, Yan-Xia; Sun, Shi-Gang; Guo, Junsong; Sun, Lili; Chen, Rongrong

    2016-04-01

    The effects of interactions of Pt nanoparticles with hybrid supports on reactivity towards ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution are investigated. Studies involve catalysts with identical Pt nanoparticles on six hybrid supports containing carbon powder and transition metal oxides (TiO2, ZrO2, SnO2, CeO2, MoO3 and WO3). In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) results evidence that metal-support interactions produce changes in the Pt 5d band vacancy, which appears to determine the catalytic activity. The highest and lowest activities are observed for Pt nanoparticles on hybrid supports containing TiO2 and CeO2, respectively. Further studies are presented for these two catalysts. In situ FTIR reflection spectroscopy measurements, taken using both multi-stepped FTIR spectroscopy (MS-FTIR) and single potential alteration FTIR spectroscopy (SPA-FTIR), evidence that the main product of ethanol oxidation is acetate, although signals attributed to carbonate and CO2 indicate some differences in CO2 production. Fuel cell performances of these catalysts, tested in a 4.5 cm2 single cell at different temperatures (40-90 °C) show good agreement with data obtained by electrochemical techniques. Results of this comprehensive study point out the possibility of compensating a reduction of noble metal load with an increase in activity promoted by interactions between metallic nanoparticles and a support.

  5. Reducible oxide based catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Thompson, Levi T.; Kim, Chang Hwan; Bej, Shyamal K.

    2010-04-06

    A catalyst is disclosed herein. The catalyst includes a reducible oxide support and at least one noble metal fixed on the reducible oxide support. The noble metal(s) is loaded on the support at a substantially constant temperature and pH.

  6. Graphitic Carbon Nitride Supported Catalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Graphitic carbon nitrides are investigated for developing highly durable Pt electrocatalyst supports for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Three different graphitic carbon nitride materials were synthesized with the aim to address the effect of crystallinity, porosity, and composition on the catalyst support properties: polymeric carbon nitride (gCNM), poly(triazine) imide carbon nitride (PTI/Li+Cl–), and boron-doped graphitic carbon nitride (B-gCNM). Following accelerated corrosion testing, all graphitic carbon nitride materials are found to be more electrochemically stable compared to conventional carbon black (Vulcan XC-72R) with B-gCNM support showing the best stability. For the supported catalysts, Pt/PTI-Li+Cl– catalyst exhibits better durability with only 19% electrochemical surface area (ECSA) loss versus 36% for Pt/Vulcan after 2000 scans. Superior methanol oxidation activity is observed for all graphitic carbon nitride supported Pt catalysts on the basis of the catalyst ECSA. PMID:24748912

  7. Multitasking mesoporous nanomaterials for biorefinery applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kandel, Kapil

    2013-01-01

    Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted great interest for last two decades due to their unique and advantageous structural properties, such as high surface area, pore volume, stable mesostructure, tunable pore size and controllable particle morphology. The robust silica framework provides sites for organic modifications, making MSNs ideal platforms for adsorbents and supported organocatalysts. In addition, the pores of MSNs provide cavities/ channels for incorporation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticle catalysts. These supported metal nanoparticle catalysts benefit from confined local environments to enhance their activity and selectivity for various reactions. Biomass is considered as a sustainable feedstock with potentialmore » to replace diminishing fossil fuels for the production of biofuels. Among several strategies, one of the promising methods of biofuel production from biomass is to reduce the oxygen content of the feedstock in order to improve the energy density. This can be achieved by creating C-C bonds between biomass derived intermediates to increase the molecular weight of the final hydrocarbon molecules. In this context, pore size and organic functionality of MSNs are varied to obtain the ideal catalyst for a C-C bond forming reaction: the aldol condensation. The mechanistic aspects of this reaction in supported heterogeneous catalysts are explored. The modification of supported organocatalyst and the effect of solvent on the reaction are rationalized. The significance of two functional surfaces of MSNs is exploited by enzyme immobilization on the external surface and organo catalyst functionalization on the internal surface. Using this bifunctional catalyst, the tandem conversion of small chain alcohols into longer chain hydrocarbon molecules is demonstrated. The ability to incorporate metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in the pores and subsequent functionalization led to develop organic modified magnetic MSNs (OM-MSNs) for applications in microalgae biorefinery. Two different integrated biorefinery systems are highlighted. (i) OM-MSNs are used to harvest microalgae and selectively sequester free fatty acids (FFAs). (ii) OM-MSNs are shown to selectively sequester FFAs and convert them into diesel-range liquid hydrocarbon fuels. A similar MSN supported metal nanoparticle catalyst is demonstrated to transform FFAs into green diesel with even greater activity and selectivity. The incorporation of a different organic functional group into MSN provides a selective adsorbent for separation and purification of α-tocopherol from microalgae oil. The functional group with electron deficient aromatic rings demonstrated high sequestration capacity and selectivity of {alpha}-tocopherol.« less

  8. Tungsten carbide/porous carbon composite as superior support for platinum catalyst toward methanol electro-oxidation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jiang, Liming; Fu, Honggang, E-mail: fuhg@vip.sina.com; Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080

    2014-01-01

    Graphical abstract: The WC nanoparticles are well dispersed in the carbon matrix. The size of WC nanoparticles is about 30 nm. It can be concluded that tungsten carbide and carbon composite was successfully prepared by the present synthesis conditions. - Highlights: • The WC/PC composite with high specific surface area was prepared by a simple way. • The Pt/WC/PC catalyst has superior performance toward methanol electro-oxidation. • The current density for methanol electro-oxidation is as high as 595.93 A g{sup −1} Pt. • The Pt/WC/PC catalyst shows better durability and stronger CO electro-oxidation. • The performance of Pt/WC/PC is superiormore » to the commercial Pt/C (JM) catalyst. - Abstract: Tungsten carbide/porous carbon (WC/PC) composites have been successfully synthesized through a surfactant assisted evaporation-induced-assembly method, followed by a thermal treatment process. In particular, WC/PC-35-1000 composite with tungsten content of 35% synthesized at the carbonized temperature of 1000 °C, exhibited a specific surface area (S{sub BET}) of 457.92 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}. After loading Pt nanoparticles (NPs), the obtained Pt/WC/PC-35-1000 catalyst exhibits the highest unit mass electroactivity (595.93 A g{sup −1} Pt) toward methanol electro-oxidation, which is about 2.6 times as that of the commercial Pt/C (JM) catalyst. Furthermore, the Pt/WC/PC-35-1000 catalyst displays much stronger resistance to CO poisoning and better durability toward methanol electrooxidation compared with the commercial Pt/C (JM) catalyst. The high electrocatalytic activity, strong poison-resistivity and good stability of Pt/WC/PC-35-1000 catalyst are attributed to the porous structures and high specific surface area of WC/PC support could facilitate the rapid mass transportation. Moreover, synergistic effect between WC and Pt NPs is favorable to the higher catalytic performance.« less

  9. Highly stable ceria-zirconia-yttria supported Ni catalysts for syngas production by CO2 reforming of methane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muñoz, M. A.; Calvino, J. J.; Rodríguez-Izquierdo, J. M.; Blanco, G.; Arias, D. C.; Pérez-Omil, J. A.; Hernández-Garrido, J. C.; González-Leal, J. M.; Cauqui, M. A.; Yeste, M. P.

    2017-12-01

    Ni/CeO2/YSZ and Ni/Ce0.15Zr0.85O2 have been investigated as catalysts for the dry reforming of methane at 750 °C. Ni was incorporated by the impregnation method. The supports were previously activated by using a thermo-chemical protocol consisting on a severe reduction (H2/Ar) at 950 °C followed by a mild oxidation (O2/He) at 500 °C. According to TPR results, this protocol leads to the development of unique redox properties in the case of the CeO2/YSZ oxide. Two types of CO2 + CH4 (1:1) mixtures (helium-diluted and undiluted) were used to feed the reactor. When using the Ni/Ce0.15Zr0.85O2 catalyst with undiluted feed, the reactor became plugged by coke. By contrast, Ni/CeO2/YSZ behaved as an active and stable catalyst even under the most severe operation conditions. The characterization of the spent Ni/CeO2/YSZ using TGA, TEM, Raman and XPS spectroscopy revealed that only a limited amount of graphitic carbon, in form of nanotubes, was formed. No evidences of deactivating carbonaceous forms were obtained. The singular redox properties of the activated CeO2/YSZ oxides are proposed as a key for designing Ni catalysts highly stable in reforming processes.

  10. Tuning the acid/metal balance of carbon nanofiber-supported nickel catalysts for hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose.

    PubMed

    Van de Vyver, Stijn; Geboers, Jan; Schutyser, Wouter; Dusselier, Michiel; Eloy, Pierre; Dornez, Emmie; Seo, Jin Won; Courtin, Christophe M; Gaigneaux, Eric M; Jacobs, Pierre A; Sels, Bert F

    2012-08-01

    Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are a class of graphitic support materials with considerable potential for catalytic conversion of biomass. Earlier, we demonstrated the hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose over reshaped nickel particles attached at the tip of CNFs. The aim of this follow-up study was to find a relationship between the acid/metal balance of the Ni/CNFs and their performance in the catalytic conversion of cellulose. After oxidation and incipient wetness impregnation with Ni, the Ni/CNFs were characterized by various analytical methods. To prepare a selective Ni/CNF catalyst, the influences of the nature of oxidation agent, Ni activation, and Ni loading were investigated. Under the applied reaction conditions, the best result, that is, 76 % yield in hexitols with 69 % sorbitol selectivity at 93 % conversion of cellulose, was obtained on a 7.5 wt % Ni/CNF catalyst prepared by chemical vapor deposition of CH(4) on a Ni/γ-Al(2)O(3) catalyst, followed by oxidation in HNO(3) (twice for 1 h at 383 K), incipient wetness impregnation, and reduction at 773 K under H(2). This preparation method leads to a properly balanced Ni/CNF catalyst in terms of Ni dispersion and hydrogenation capacity on the one hand, and the number of acidic surface-oxygen groups responsible for the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis on the other. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Two Catalysts for Selective Oxidation of Contaminant Gases

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wright, John D.

    2011-01-01

    Two catalysts for the selective oxidation of trace amounts of contaminant gases in air have been developed for use aboard the International Space Station. These catalysts might also be useful for reducing concentrations of fumes in terrestrial industrial facilities especially facilities that use halocarbons as solvents, refrigerant liquids, and foaming agents, as well as facilities that generate or utilize ammonia. The first catalyst is of the supported-precious-metal type. This catalyst is highly active for the oxidation of halocarbons, hydrocarbons, and oxygenates at low concentrations in air. This catalyst is more active for the oxidation of hydrocarbons and halocarbons than are competing catalysts developed in recent years. This catalyst completely converts these airborne contaminant gases to carbon dioxide, water, and mineral acids that can be easily removed from the air, and does not make any chlorine gas in the process. The catalyst is thermally stable and is not poisoned by chlorine or fluorine atoms produced on its surface during the destruction of a halocarbon. In addition, the catalyst can selectively oxidize ammonia to nitrogen at a temperature between 200 and 260 C, without making nitrogen oxides, which are toxic. The temperature of 260 C is higher than the operational temperature of any other precious-metal catalyst that can selectively oxidize ammonia. The purpose of the platinum in this catalyst is to oxidize hydrocarbons and to ensure that the oxidation of halocarbons goes to completion. However, the platinum exhibits little or no activity for initiating the destruction of halocarbons. Instead, the attack on the halocarbons is initiated by the support. The support also provides a high surface area for exposure of the platinum. Moreover, the support resists deactivation or destruction by halogens released during the destruction of halocarbons. The second catalyst is of the supported- metal-oxide type. This catalyst can selectively oxidize ammonia to nitrogen at temperatures up to 400 C, without producing nitrogen oxides. This catalyst converts ammonia completely to nitrogen, even when the concentration of ammonia is very low. No other catalyst is known to oxidize ammonia selectively at such a high temperature and low concentration. Both the metal oxide and the support contribute to the activity and selectivity of this catalyst.

  12. Synthesis and characterization of supported polysugar-stabilized palladium nanoparticle catalysts for enhanced hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bacik, Deborah B.; Zhang, Man; Zhao, Dongye; Roberts, Christopher B.; Seehra, Mohinar S.; Singh, Vivek; Shah, Naresh

    2012-07-01

    Palladium (Pd) nanoparticle catalysts were successfully synthesized within an aqueous phase using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a capping ligand which offers a green alternative to conventional nanoparticle synthesis techniques. The CMC-stabilized Pd nanoparticles were subsequently dispersed within support materials using the incipient wetness impregnation technique for utilization in heterogeneous catalyst systems. The unsupported and supported (both calcined and uncalcined) Pd nanoparticle catalysts were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurement and their catalytic activity toward the hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE) in aqueous media was examined using homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst systems, respectively. The unsupported Pd nanoparticles showed considerable activity toward the degradation of TCE, as demonstrated by the reaction kinetics. Although the supported Pd nanoparticle catalysts had a lower catalytic activity than the unsupported particles that were homogeneously dispersed in the aqueous solutions, the supported catalysts retained sufficient activity toward the degradation of TCE. In addition, the use of the hydrophilic Al2O3 support material induced a mass transfer resistance to TCE that affected the initial hydrodechlorination rate. This paper demonstrates that supported Pd catalysts can be applied to the heterogeneous catalytic hydrodechlorination of TCE.

  13. Microfluidic Synthesis Enables Dense and Uniform Loading of Surfactant-Free PtSn Nanocrystals on Carbon Supports for Enhanced Ethanol Oxidation.

    PubMed

    Wu, Fuxiang; Zhang, Dongtang; Peng, Manhua; Yu, Zhihui; Wang, Xiayan; Guo, Guangsheng; Sun, Yugang

    2016-04-11

    Developing new synthetic methods for carbon supported catalysts with improved performance is of fundamental importance in advancing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology. Continuous-flow, microfluidic reactions in capillary tube reactors are described, which are capable of synthesizing surfactant-free, ultrafine PtSn alloyed nanoparticles (NPs) on various carbon supports (for example, commercial carbon black particles, carbon nanotubes, and graphene sheets). The PtSn NPs are highly crystalline with sizes smaller than 2 nm, and they are highly dispersed on the carbon supports with high loadings up to 33 wt%. These characteristics make the as-synthesized carbon-supported PtSn NPs more efficient than state of the art commercial Pt/C catalysts applied to the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). Significantly enhanced mass catalytic activity (two-times that of Pt/C) and improved stability are obtained. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. Gallium-rich Pd-Ga phases as supported liquid metal catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taccardi, N.; Grabau, M.; Debuschewitz, J.; Distaso, M.; Brandl, M.; Hock, R.; Maier, F.; Papp, C.; Erhard, J.; Neiss, C.; Peukert, W.; Görling, A.; Steinrück, H.-P.; Wasserscheid, P.

    2017-09-01

    A strategy to develop improved catalysts is to create systems that merge the advantages of heterogeneous and molecular catalysis. One such system involves supported liquid-phase catalysts, which feature a molecularly defined, catalytically active liquid film/droplet layer adsorbed on a porous solid support. In the past decade, this concept has also been extended to supported ionic liquid-phase catalysts. Here we develop this idea further and describe supported catalytically active liquid metal solutions (SCALMS). We report a liquid mixture of gallium and palladium deposited on porous glass that forms an active catalyst for alkane dehydrogenation that is resistant to coke formation and is thus highly stable. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, supported by theoretical calculations, confirm the liquid state of the catalytic phase under the reaction conditions. Unlike traditional heterogeneous catalysts, the supported liquid metal reported here is highly dynamic and catalysis does not proceed at the surface of the metal nanoparticles, but presumably at homogeneously distributed metal atoms at the surface of a liquid metallic phase.

  15. An investigation into support cooperativity for the deoxygenation of guaiacol over nanoparticle Ni and Rh 2P

    DOE PAGES

    Griffin, Michael B.; Baddour, Frederick G.; Habas, Susan E.; ...

    2017-06-06

    Here, the production of hydrocarbon fuels from biomass pyrolysis requires the development of effective deoxygenation catalysts, and insight into how the properties of the support influence performance is critical for catalyst design. In this report, nanoparticles of Ni and Rh 2P were synthesized using solution-phase techniques and dispersed on high surface area supports. The supports included a relatively inert material (C), an acidic reducible metal-oxide (TiO 2), an acidic irreducible metal-oxide (Al 2O 3), and a basic irreducible metal-oxide (MgO). The eight active phase/support combinations were investigated for the deoxygenation of guaiacol, a pyrolysis vapor model compound, under ex situmore » catalytic fast pyrolysis conditions (350 °C, 0.44 MPa H 2). Compared to the baseline performance of the C-supported catalysts, Ni/TiO 2 and Rh 2P/TiO 2 exhibited higher guaiacol conversion and lower O : C ratios for C 5+ products, highlighting the enhanced activity and greater selectivity to deoxygenated products derived from the use of an acidic reducible metal-oxide support. The Al 2O 3-supported catalysts also exhibited higher conversion than the C-supported catalysts and promoted alkylation reactions, which improve carbon efficiency and increase the carbon number of the C 5+ products. However, Ni/Al 2O 3 and Rh 2P/Al 2O 3 were less selective towards deoxygenated products than the C-supported catalysts. The MgO-supported catalyst exhibited lower conversion and decreased yield of deoxygenated products compared to the C-supported catalysts. The results reported here suggest that basic metal-oxide supports may inhibit deoxygenation of phenolics under CFP conditions. Contrastingly, support acidity and reducibility were demonstrated to promote conversion and selectivity to deoxygenated products, respectively.« less

  16. Development of Ternary and Quaternary Catalysts for the Electrooxidation of Glycerol

    PubMed Central

    Artem, L. M.; Santos, D. M.; De Andrade, A. R.; Kokoh, K. B.; Ribeiro, J.

    2012-01-01

    This work consisted in the preparation of platinum-based catalysts supported on carbon (Vulcan XC-72) and investigation of their physicochemical and electrochemical properties. Catalysts of the C/Pt-Ni-Sn-Me (Me = Ru or Ir) type were prepared by the Pechini method at temperature of 350°C. Four different compositions were homemade: C/Pt60Sn10Ni30, C/Pt60Sn10Ni20Ru10, C/Pt60Sn10Ni10Ru20, and C/Pt60Sn10Ni10Ir20. These catalysts were electrochemically and physically characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) in the presence of glycerol 1.0 mol dm−3, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). XRD results showed the main peaks of face-centered cubic Pt. The particle sizes obtained from XRD and HRTEM experiments were close to values ranging from 3 to 8.5 nm. The CV results indicate behavior typical of Pt-based catalysts in acid medium. The CV and CA data reveal that quaternary catalysts present the highest current density for the electrooxidation of glycerol. PMID:22623905

  17. Carbon-supported Pd-Co as cathode catalyst for APEMFCs and validation by DFT.

    PubMed

    Maheswari, S; Karthikeyan, S; Murugan, P; Sridhar, P; Pitchumani, S

    2012-07-21

    Carbon supported PdCo catalysts in varying atomic ratios of Pd to Co, namely 1 : 1, 2 : 1 and 3 : 1, were prepared. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was studied on commercial carbon-supported Pd and carbon-supported PdCo nanocatalysts in aqueous 0.1 M KOH solution with and without methanol. The structure, dispersion, electrochemical characterization and surface area of PdCo/C were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), respectively. The electrochemical activity for ORR was evaluated from Linear Sweep Voltammograms (LSV) obtained using a rotating ring disk electrode. The catalysts were evaluated for their electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (APEMFCs). PdCo(3 : 1)/C gives higher performance (85 mW cm(-2)) than PdCo(1 : 1)/C, PdCo(2 : 1)/C and Pd/C. The maximum electrocatalytic activity for ORR in the presence of methanol was observed for PdCo(3 : 1)/C. First principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory were performed to understand the origin of its catalytic activity based on the energy of adsorption of an O(2) molecule on the cluster, structural variation and charge transfer mechanism.

  18. Novel nano-semiconductor film layer supported nano-Pd Complex Nanostructured Catalyst Pd/Ⓕ-MeOx/AC for High Efficient Selective Hydrogenation of Phenol to Cyclohexanone.

    PubMed

    Si, Jiaqi; Ouyang, Wenbing; Zhang, Yanji; Xu, Wentao; Zhou, Jicheng

    2017-04-28

    Supported metal as a type of heterogeneous catalysts are the most widely used in industrial processes. High dispersion of the metal particles of supported catalyst is a key factor in determining the performance of such catalysts. Here we report a novel catalyst Pd/Ⓕ-MeO x /AC with complex nanostructured, Pd nanoparticles supported on the platelike nano-semiconductor film/activated carbon, prepared by the photocatalytic reduction method, which exhibited high efficient catalytic performance for selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone. Conversion of phenol achieved up to more than 99% with a lower mole ratio (0.5%) of active components Pd and phenol within 2 h at 70 °C. The synergistic effect of metal nanoparticles and nano-semiconductors support layer and the greatly increasing of contact interface of nano-metal-semiconductors may be responsible for the high efficiency. This work provides a clear demonstration that complex nanostructured catalysts with nano-metal and nano-semiconductor film layer supported on high specific surface AC can yield enhanced catalytic activity and can afford promising approach for developing new supported catalyst.

  19. Diamond nanoparticles as a support for Pt and PtRu catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells.

    PubMed

    La-Torre-Riveros, Lyda; Guzman-Blas, Rolando; Méndez-Torres, Adrián E; Prelas, Mark; Tryk, Donald A; Cabrera, Carlos R

    2012-02-01

    Diamond in nanoparticle form is a promising material that can be used as a robust and chemically stable catalyst support in fuel cells. It has been studied and characterized physically and electrochemically, in its thin film and powder forms, as reported in the literature. In the present work, the electrochemical properties of undoped and boron-doped diamond nanoparticle electrodes, fabricated using the ink-paste method, were investigated. Methanol oxidation experiments were carried out in both half-cell and full fuel cell modes. Platinum and ruthenium nanoparticles were chemically deposited on undoped and boron doped diamond nanoparticles through the use of NaBH(4) as reducing agent and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as a surfactant. Before and after the reduction process, samples were characterized by electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. The ink-paste method was also used to prepare the membrane electrode assembly with Pt and Pt-Ru modified undoped and boron-doped diamond nanoparticle catalytic systems, to perform the electrochemical experiments in a direct methanol fuel cell system. The results obtained demonstrate that diamond supported catalyst nanomaterials are promising for methanol fuel cells.

  20. A facile reflux procedure to increase active surface sites form highly active and durable supported palladium@platinum bimetallic nanodendrites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Qin; Li, Yingjun; Liu, Baocang; Xu, Guangran; Zhang, Geng; Zhao, Qi; Zhang, Jun

    2015-11-01

    A series of well-dispersed bimetallic Pd@Pt nanodendrites uniformly supported on XC-72 carbon black are fabricated by using different capping agents. These capping agents are essential for the branched morphology control. However, the surfactant adsorbed on the nanodendrites surface blocks the access of reactant molecules to the active surface sites, and the catalytic activities of these bimetallic nanodendrites are significantly restricted. Herein, a facile reflux procedure to effectively remove the capping agent molecules without significantly affecting their sizes is reported for activating supported nanocatalysts. More significantly, the structure and morphology of the nanodendrites can also be retained, enhancing the numbers of active surface sites, catalytic activity and stability toward methanol and ethanol electro-oxidation reactions. The as-obtained hot water reflux-treated Pd@Pt/C catalyst manifests superior catalytic activity and stability both in terms of surface and mass specific activities, as compared to the untreated catalysts and the commercial Pt/C and Pd/C catalysts. We anticipate that this effective and facile removal method has more general applicability to highly active nanocatalysts prepared with various surfactants, and should lead to improvements in environmental protection and energy production.

  1. Green synthesis of Pt and Ag nanoparticles and their use towards nitric oxide abatement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Castegnaro, Marcus V.; Alexandre, Jéssica; Baibich, Ione M.; Alves, Maria C. M.; Morais, Jonder

    2014-12-01

    Pt and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by eco-friendly room-temperature chemical reduction routes based on trisodium citrate and L-ascorbic acid (for Pt NPs) and on gelatin and trisodium citrate (for Ag NPs). The as-prepared NPs were characterized by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses, which confirmed the formation of sub-10 nm metal particles. Then, the colloidal solutions were used to obtain activated carbon-supported catalysts (metal/AC) for direct NO decomposition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction measurements proved that the NPs hosted on the support surface were present in the metallic chemical state. In situ infrared absorption spectroscopy investigations during NO reduction catalytic reactions showed that the Pt/AC and Ag/AC catalysts were highly active at 373 K. At 573 K, we observed different behaviors for each catalyst. While Ag/AC performed similarly to the reaction at 373 K, Pt/AC was found to participate in a redox mechanism, where the catalyst’s active sites were oxidized by NO and reduced by carbon, thus emitting CO2 and enhancing its catalytic activity, an effect that we have also observed in carbon-supported Pd NPs.

  2. Chiral catalysts immobilized on achiral polymers: effect of the polymer support on the performance of the catalyst.

    PubMed

    Altava, Belén; Burguete, M Isabel; García-Verdugo, Eduardo; Luis, Santiago V

    2018-04-23

    Positive effects of the polymeric support on the performance of supported chiral catalysts, in terms of activity, stability and selectivity-enantioselectivity, have been reported when the support is properly selected and optimized opening the way to the design of more efficient catalytic systems.

  3. Synthesis and characterization of Pd-poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)/KIT-5 nanocomposite as a polymer-inorganic hybrid catalyst for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kalbasi, Roozbeh Javad, E-mail: rkalbasi@iaush.ac.ir; Mosaddegh, Neda

    2011-11-15

    Composite poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)/KIT-5 (PVP/KIT-5) was prepared by in situ polymerization method and used as a support for palladium nanoparticles obtained through the reduction of Pd(OAc){sub 2} by hydrazine hydrate. The physical and chemical properties of the catalyst were investigated by XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis, TG, BET, SEM, and TEM techniques. The catalytic performance of this novel heterogeneous catalyst was determined for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction between aryl halides and phenylboronic acid in the presence of water at room temperature. The stability of the nanocomposite catalyst was excellent and could be reused 8 times without much loss of activity in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-couplingmore » reaction. - Graphical Abstract: Pd-poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)/KIT-5 was prepared as an organic-inorganic hybrid catalyst for the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. The stability of the catalyst was excellent and could be reused 8 times in the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. Highlights: > Pd-poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)/KIT-5 was prepared as a novel nanocomposite. > Nanocomposite was prepared based on a cage-type mesoporous system. > Catalyst showed excellent activity for Suzuki-Miyaura reaction in water. > Stability of the catalyst was excellent and could be reused 8 times.« less

  4. The black rock series supported SCR catalyst for NO x removal.

    PubMed

    Xie, Bin; Luo, Hang; Tang, Qing; Du, Jun; Liu, Zuohua; Tao, Changyuan

    2017-09-01

    Black rock series (BRS) is of great potential for their plenty of valued oxides which include vanadium, iron, alumina and silica oxides, etc. BRS was used for directly preparing of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst by modifying its surface texture with SiO 2 -TiO 2 sols and regulating its catalytic active constituents with V 2 O 5 and MoO 3 . Consequently, 90% NO removal ratio was obtained within 300-400 °C over the BRS-based catalyst. The structure and properties of the BRS-based catalyst were characterized by the techniques of N 2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H 2 -temperature programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR), and NH 3 -temperature programmed desorption (NH 3 -TPD). The results revealed that the BRS-based catalyst possesses favorable properties for NO x removal, including highly dispersed active components, abundant surface-adsorbed oxygen O α , well redox property, and numerous Brønsted acid sites. Particularly, the BRS-based catalyst exhibited considerable anti-poisoning performance compared with commercial TiO 2 -based catalyst. The former catalyst shows a NO conversion surpassing 80% from 300 to 400 °C for potassium poisoning, and a durability of SO 2 and H 2 O exceeding 85% at temperatures from 300 to 450 °C.

  5. Methane Conversion to Ethylene and Aromatics on PtSn Catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    Gerceker, Duygu; Motagamwala, Ali Hussain; Rivera-Dones, Keishla R.; ...

    2017-02-03

    Pt and PtSn catalysts supported on SiO 2 and H-ZSM-5 were studied for methane conversion under nonoxidative conditions. Addition of Sn to Pt/SiO 2 increased the turnover frequency for production of ethylene by a factor of 3, and pretreatment of the catalyst at 1123 K reduced the extent of coke formation. Pt and PtSn catalysts supported on H-ZSM-5 zeolite were prepared to improve the activity and selectivity to non-coke products. Ethylene formation rates were 20 times faster over a PtSn(1:3)/H-ZSM-5 catalyst with SiO 2:Al 2O 3 = 280 in comparison to those over PtSn(3:1)/SiO 2. H-ZSM-5-supported catalysts were also activemore » for the formation of aromatics, and the rates of benzene and naphthalene formation were increased by using more acidic H-ZSM-5 supports. These catalysts operate through a bifunctional mechanism, in which ethylene is first produced on highly dispersed PtSn nanoparticles and then is subsequently converted to benzene and naphthalene on Brønsted acid sites within the zeolite support. The most active and stable PtSn catalyst forms carbon products at a rate, 2.5 mmol of C/((mol of Pt) s), which is comparable to that of state-of-the-art Mo/H-ZSM-5 catalysts with same metal loading operated under similar conditions (1.8 mmol of C/((mol of Mo) s)). Scanning transmission electron microscopy measurements suggest the presence of smaller Pt nanoparticles on H-ZSM-5-supported catalysts, in comparison to SiO 2-supported catalysts, as a possible source of their high activity. As a result, a microkinetic model of methane conversion on Pt and PtSn surfaces, built using results from density functional theory calculations, predicts higher coupling rates on bimetallic and stepped surfaces, supporting the experimental observations that relate the high catalytic activity to small PtSn particles.« less

  6. 2017-19 Strategic Action Plan

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Washington Student Achievement Council, 2016

    2016-01-01

    Education is the catalyst for families, communities, and businesses to thrive. While Washington's employers report a growing need for a more educated workforce in order to stay competitive, many individuals need higher levels of education to obtain work that can support themselves and their families. Washington's Roadmap goals identify the…

  7. Polymer-Supported Raney Nickel Catalysts for Sustainable Reduction Reactions.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Haibin; Lu, Shuliang; Zhang, Xiaohong; Dai, Wei; Qiao, Jinliang

    2016-06-25

    Green is the future of chemistry. Catalysts with high selectivity are the key to green chemistry. Polymer-supported Raney catalysts have been found to have outstanding performance in the clean preparation of some chemicals. For example, a polyamide 6-supported Raney nickel catalyst provided a 100.0% conversion of n-butyraldehyde without producing any detectable n-butyl ether, the main byproduct in industry, and eliminated the two main byproducts (isopropyl ether and methyl-iso-butylcarbinol) in the hydrogenation of acetone to isopropanol. Meanwhile, a model for how the polymer support brought about the elimination of byproducts is proposed and confirmed. In this account the preparation and applications of polymer-supported Raney catalysts along with the corresponding models will be reviewed.

  8. The History of Current State of the Art of Propylene Polymerization Catalysts.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goodall, Brian L.

    1986-01-01

    Outlines the development of the modern catalysts for propylene polymerization, considering the historical background; structure of titanium chloride catalysts; first-generation catalysts; cocatalysts; second-generation catalysts; catalysts morphology; and third-generation (supported catalysts). (JN)

  9. A Simple Primary Amine Catalyst for Enantioselective α-Hydroxylations and α-Fluorinations of Branched Aldehydes

    PubMed Central

    Witten, Michael R.; Jacobsen, Eric N.

    2016-01-01

    A new primary amine catalyst for the asymmetric α-hydroxylation and α-fluorination of α-branched aldehydes is described. The products of the title transformations are generated in excellent yields and with high enantioselectivities. Both processes can be performed within short reaction times and on gram scale. The similarity in the results obtained in both reactions, combined with computational evidence, implies a common basis for stereoinduction and the possibility of a general catalytic mechanism for α-functionalizations. Promising initial results in α-amination and α-chlorination reactions support this hypothesis. PMID:25952578

  10. Preparation of immobilized L-prolinamide via enzymatic polymerization of phenolic L-prolinamide and evaluation of its catalytic performance for direct asymmetric aldol reaction.

    PubMed

    Qu, Chengke; Zhao, Wenshan; Zhang, Lei; Cui, Yuanchen

    2014-04-01

    Phenolic L-prolinamide was allowed to participate in enzymatic polymerization with horseradish peroxidase as the catalyst, generating immobilized L-prolinamide. The catalytic performance of the resultant polymer-supported L-prolinamide for direct asymmetric aldol reaction between aromatic aldehyde and cyclohexanone was studied. The results show that as prepared L-prolinamide can catalyze the aldol reaction at room temperature in the presence of H2O. Relevant aldol addition products are obtained with good yields (up to 91%), high diastereoselectivities (up to 6:94 dr), and medium enantioselectivities (up to 87% ee). Moreover, the title polymer-supported catalyst can be recovered and reused for at least five cycles while the activity remains almost unchanged. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Durability testing at 5 atmospheres of advanced catalysts and catalyst supports for gas turbine engine combustors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Olson, B. A.; Lee, H. C.; Osgerby, I. T.; Heck, R. M.; Hess, H.

    1980-01-01

    The durability of CATCOM catalysts and catalyst supports was experimentally demonstrated in a combustion environment under simulated gas turbine engine combustor operating conditions. A test of 1000 hours duration was completed with one catalyst using no. 2 diesel fuel and operating at catalytically-supported thermal combustion conditions. The performance of the catalyst was determined by monitoring emissions throughout the test, and by examining the physical condition of the catalyst core at the conclusion of the test. Tests were performed periodically to determine changes in catalytic activity of the catalyst core. Detailed parametric studies were also run at the beginning and end of the durability test, using no. 2 fuel oil. Initial and final emissions for the 1000 hours test respectively were: unburned hydrocarbons (C3 vppm):0, 146, carbon monoxide (vppm):30, 2420; nitrogen oxides (vppm):5.7, 5.6.

  12. Low-temperature growth of nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers by acetonitrile catalytic CVD using Ni-based catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iwasaki, Tomohiro; Makino, Yuri; Fukukawa, Makoto; Nakamura, Hideya; Watano, Satoru

    2016-11-01

    To synthesize nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (N-CNFs) at high growth rates and low temperatures less than 673 K, nickel species (metallic nickel and nickel oxide) supported on alumina particles were used as the catalysts for an acetonitrile catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The nickel:alumina mass ratio in the catalysts was fixed at 0.05:1. The catalyst precursors were prepared from various nickel salts (nitrate, chloride, sulfate, acetate, and lactate) and then calcined at 1073 K for 1 h in oxidative (air), reductive (hydrogen-containing argon), or inert (pure argon) atmospheres to activate the nickel-based catalysts. The effects of precursors and calcination atmosphere on the catalyst activity at low temperatures were studied. We found that the catalysts derived from nickel nitrate had relatively small crystallite sizes of nickel species and provided N-CNFs at high growth rates of 57 ± 4 g-CNF/g-Ni/h at 673 K in the CVD process using 10 vol% hydrogen-containing argon as the carrier gas of acetonitrile vapor, which were approximately 4 times larger than that of a conventional CVD process. The obtained results reveal that nitrate ions in the catalyst precursor and hydrogen in the carrier gas can contribute effectively to the activation of catalysts in low-temperature CVD. The fiber diameter and nitrogen content of N-CNFs synthesized at high growth rates were several tens of nanometers and 3.5 ± 0.3 at.%, respectively. Our catalysts and CVD process may lead to cost reductions in the production of N-CNFs.

  13. Atomic-Scale Design of Iron Fischer-Tropsch Catalysts: A Combined Computational Chemistry, Experimental, and Microkinetic Modeling Approach

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Manos Mavrikakis; James A. Dumesic; Amit A. Gokhale

    2006-03-03

    Efforts during this second year focused on four areas: (1) continued searching and summarizing of published Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) mechanistic and kinetic studies of FTS reactions on iron catalysts; (2) investigation of CO adsorption/desorption and temperature programmed hydrogenation (TPH) of carbonaceous species after FTS on unsupported iron and alumina-supported iron catalysts; (3) activity tests of alumina-supported iron catalysts in a fixed bed reactor; (4) sequential design of experiments, for the collection of rate data in a Berty CSTR reactor, and nonlinear-regression analysis to obtain kinetic parameters. Literature sources describing mechanistic and kinetic studies of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on iron catalysts weremore » compiled in a review. Temperature-programmed desorption/reaction methods (the latter using mass-spectrometry detection and also thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA)) were utilized to study CO adsorption/-desorption on supported and unsupported iron catalysts. Molecular and dissociative adsorptions of CO occur on iron catalysts at 25-150 C. The amounts adsorbed and bond strengths of adsorption are influenced by supports and promoters. That CO adsorbs dissociatively on polycrystalline Fe at temperatures well below those of FT reaction indicates that CO dissociation is facile and unlikely to be the rate-limiting step during FTS. Carbonaceous species formed after FT reaction for only 5 minutes at 200 C were initially hydrogenated under mild, isothermal condition (200 C and 1 atm), followed by TPH to 800 C. During the mild, isothermal hydrogenation, only about 0.1-0.2 mL of atomic carbon is apparently removed, while during TPH to 800 C multilayer equivalents of atomic, polymeric, carbidic, and graphitic carbons are removed. Rates of CO conversion on alumina-supported iron catalysts at 220-260 C and 20 atm are correlated well by a Langmuir-Hinshelwood expression, derived assuming carbon hydrogenation to CH and OH recombination to water to be rate-determining steps. In the coming year, studies will focus on quantitative determination of the rates of kinetically-relevant elementary steps on Fe catalysts with/without K and Pt promoters and at various levels of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} support, providing a database for understanding (1) effects of promoter and support on elementary kinetic parameters and (2) for validation of computational models that incorporate effects of surface structure and promoters. Kinetic parameters will be incorporated into a microkinetics model, enabling prediction of rate without invoking assumptions, e.g. of a rate-determining step or a most-abundant surface intermediate. Calculations using periodic, self-consistent Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods were performed on two model surfaces: (1) Fe(110) with 1/4 ML subsurface carbon, and (2) Fe(110) with 1/4 ML Pt adatoms. Reaction networks for FTS on these systems were characterized in full detail by evaluating the thermodynamics and kinetics of each elementary step. We discovered that subsurface C stabilizes all the reactive intermediates, in contrast to Pt, which destabilizes most of them. A comparative study of the reactivities of the modified-Fe surfaces against pure Fe is expected to yield a more comprehensive understanding of promotion mechanisms for FTS on Fe.« less

  14. Liquid phase catalytic hydrodebromination of tetrabromobisphenol A on supported Pd catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Ke; Zheng, Mengjia; Han, Yuxiang; Xu, Zhaoyi; Zheng, Shourong

    2016-07-01

    Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a widely used brominated flame retardant and reductive debromination is an effective method for the abatement of TBBPA pollution. In this study, Pd catalysts supported on TiO2, CeO2, Al2O3 and SiO2 were prepared by the impregnation (the resulting catalyst denoted as im-Pd/support), deposition-precipitation (the resulting catalyst denoted as dp-Pd/support), and photo-deposition (the resulting catalyst denoted as pd-Pd/support) methods. The catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, measurement of zeta potential, CO chemisorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that at an identical Pd loading amount (2.0 wt.%) Pd particle size in dp-Pd/TiO2 was much smaller than those in im-Pd/TiO2 and pd-Pd/TiO2. Pd particle size of the dp-Pd/TiO2 catalyst increased with Pd loading amount. Additionally, Pd particles in the dp-Pd/TiO2 catalysts were positively charged due to the strong metal-support interaction, whereas the cationization effect was gradually attenuated with the increase of Pd loading amount. For the liquid phase catalytic hydrodebromination (HDB) of TBBPA, tri-bromobisphenol A (tri-BBPA), di-bromobisphenol A (di-BBPA), and mono-bromobisphenol A (mono-BBPA) were identified as the intermediate products, indicative of a stepwise debromination process. The catalytic HDB of TBBPA followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, reflecting an adsorption enhanced catalysis mechanism. At an identical Pd loading amount, the Pd catalyst supported on TiO2 exhibited a much higher catalytic activity than those on other supports. Furthermore, dp-Pd/TiO2 was found to be more active than im-Pd/TiO2 and pd-Pd/TiO2.

  15. Plasma-induced synthesis of Pt nanoparticles supported on TiO2 nanotubes for enhanced methanol electro-oxidation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Su, Nan; Hu, Xiulan; Zhang, Jianbo; Huang, Huihong; Cheng, Jiexu; Yu, Jinchen; Ge, Chao

    2017-03-01

    A Pt/C/TiO2 nanotube composite catalyst was successfully prepared for enhanced methanol electro-oxidation. Pt nanoparticles with a particle size of 2 nm were synthesized by plasma sputtering in water, and anatase TiO2 nanotubes with an inner diameter of approximately 100 nm were prepared by a simple two-step anodization method and annealing process. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the different morphologies of TiO2 synthesized on the surface of Ti foils were dependent on the different anodization parameters. The electrochemical performance of Pt/C/TiO2 catalysts for methanol oxidation showed that TiO2 nanotubes were more suitable for use as Pt nanoparticle support materials than irregular TiO2 short nanorods due to their tubular morphology and better electronic conductivity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization showed that the binding energies of the Pt 4f of the Pt/C/TiO2 nanotubes exhibited a slightly positive shift caused by the relatively strong interaction between Pt and the TiO2 nanotubes, which could mitigate the poisoning of the Pt catalyst by COads, and further enhance the electrocatalytic performance. Thus, the as-obtained Pt/C/TiO2 nanotubes composites may become a promising catalyst for methanol electro-oxidation.

  16. Optimization of sodium loading on zeolite support for catalyzed transesterification of triolein with methanol.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yu-Yuan; Chou, Hsin-Yu; Chen, Bing-Hung; Lee, Duu-Jong

    2013-10-01

    Optimization of sodium loading on zeolite HY for catalyzed transesterification of triolein in excess methanol to biodiesel was studied. Zeolite HY catalyst was activated by loading sodium ions to their surface via an ion-exchange method. The effects of ion-exchange process parameters, including the temperature, the process time, the pH value, as well as concentrations and sources of Na(+) cations (NaOH, NaCl and Na2SO4), on the conversion yield of triolein to biodiesel were investigated. Most of these Na(+)-activated zeolite HY catalysts could really facilitate the catalyzed transesterification reaction of triolein to biodiesel at a lower temperature near 65°C. Consequently, a high conversion yield of triglycerides to biodiesel at 97.3% was obtained at 65°C. Moreover, the durability of zeolite catalysts was examined as well. Catalytic performance tests of these zeolite catalysts in transesterification did not show a significant decrease in catalysis at least for three batch cycles. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. NANOSTRUCTURED METAL OXIDE CATALYSTS VIA BUILDING BLOCK SYNTHESES

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Craig E. Barnes

    2013-03-05

    A broadly applicable methodology has been developed to prepare new single site catalysts on silica supports. This methodology requires of three critical components: a rigid building block that will be the main structural and compositional component of the support matrix; a family of linking reagents that will be used to insert active metals into the matrix as well as cross link building blocks into a three dimensional matrix; and a clean coupling reaction that will connect building blocks and linking agents together in a controlled fashion. The final piece of conceptual strategy at the center of this methodology involves dosingmore » the building block with known amounts of linking agents so that the targeted connectivity of a linking center to surrounding building blocks is obtained. Achieving targeted connectivities around catalytically active metals in these building block matrices is a critical element of the strategy by which single site catalysts are obtained. This methodology has been demonstrated with a model system involving only silicon and then with two metal-containing systems (titanium and vanadium). The effect that connectivity has on the reactivity of atomically dispersed titanium sites in silica building block matrices has been investigated in the selective oxidation of phenols to benezoquinones. 2-connected titanium sites are found to be five times as active (i.e. initial turnover frequencies) than 4-connected titanium sites (i.e. framework titanium sites).« less

  18. Supported Dendrimer-Encapsulated Metal Clusters: Toward Heterogenizing Homogeneous Catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    Ye, Rong; Zhukhovitskiy, Aleksandr V.; Deraedt, Christophe V.; ...

    2017-07-13

    Recyclable catalysts, especially those that display selective reactivity, are vital for the development of sustainable chemical processes. Among available catalyst platforms, heterogeneous catalysts are particularly well-disposed toward separation from the reaction mixture via filtration methods, which renders them readily recyclable. Furthermore, heterogeneous catalysts offer numerous handles—some without homogeneous analogues—for performance and selectivity optimization. These handles include nanoparticle size, pore profile of porous supports, surface ligands and interface with oxide supports, and flow rate through a solid catalyst bed. Despite these available handles, however, conventional heterogeneous catalysts are themselves often structurally heterogeneous compared to homogeneous catalysts, which complicates efforts to optimizemore » and expand the scope of their reactivity and selectivity. Ongoing efforts in our laboratories are aimed to address the above challenge by heterogenizing homogeneous catalysts, which can be defined as the modification of homogeneous catalysts to render them in a separable (solid) phase from the starting materials and products. Specifically, we grow the small nanoclusters in dendrimers, a class of uniform polymers with the connectivity of fractal trees and generally radial symmetry. Thanks to their dense multivalency, shape persistence, and structural uniformity, dendrimers have proven to be versatile scaffolds for the synthesis and stabilization of small nanoclusters. Then these dendrimer-encapsulated metal clusters (DEMCs) are adsorbed onto mesoporous silica. Through this method, we have achieved selective transformations that had been challenging to accomplish in a heterogeneous setting, e.g., π-bond activation and aldol reactions. Extensive investigation into the catalytic systems under reaction conditions allowed us to correlate the structural features (e.g., oxidation states) of the catalysts and their activity. Moreover, we have demonstrated that supported DEMCs are also excellent catalysts for typical heterogeneous reactions, including hydrogenation and alkane isomerization. Critically, these investigations also confirmed that the supported DEMCs are heterogeneous and stable against leaching. Catalysts optimization is achieved through the modulation of various parameters. The clusters are oxidized (e.g., with PhICl 2) or reduced (e.g., with H 2) in situ. Changing the dendrimer properties (e.g., generation, terminal functional groups) is analogous to ligand modification in homogeneous catalysts, which affect both catalytic activity and selectivity. Similarly, pore size of the support is another factor in determining product distribution. In a flow reactor, the flow rate is adjusted to control the residence time of the starting material and intermediates, and thus the final product selectivity. Our approach to heterogeneous catalysis affords various advantages: (1) the catalyst system can tap into the reactivity typical to homogeneous catalysts, which conventional heterogeneous catalysts could not achieve; (2) unlike most homogeneous catalysts with comparable performance, the heterogenized homogeneous catalysts can be recycled; (3) improved activity or selectivity compared to conventional homogeneous catalysts is possible because of uniquely heterogeneous parameters for optimization. Here in this Account, we will briefly introduce metal clusters and describe the synthesis and characterizations of supported DEMCs. We will present the catalysis studies of supported DEMCs in both the batch and flow modes. Lastly, we will summarize the current state of heterogenizing homogeneous catalysis and provide future directions for this area of research.« less

  19. Attrition Resistant Fischer-Tropsch Catalysts Based on FCC Supports

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Adeyiga, Adeyinka

    2010-02-05

    Commercial spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts provided by Engelhard and Albemarle were used as supports for Fe-based catalysts with the goal of improving the attrition resistance of typical F-T catalysts. Catalysts with the Ruhrchemie composition (100 Fe/5 Cu/4.2 K/25 spent FCC on mass basis) were prepared by wet impregnation. XRD and XANES analysis showed the presence of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} in calcined catalysts. FeC{sub x} and Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} were present in the activated catalysts. The metal composition of the catalysts was analyzed by ICP-MS. F-T activity of the catalysts activated in situ in CO at the same conditionsmore » as used prior to the attrition tests was measured using a fixed bed reactor at T = 573 K, P = 1.38 MPa and H{sub 2}:CO ratio of 0.67. Cu and K promoted Fe supported over Engelhard provided spent FCC catalyst shows relatively good attrition resistance (8.2 wt% fines lost), high CO conversion (81%) and C{sub 5}+ hydrocarbons selectivity (18.3%).« less

  20. Molecular metal catalysts on supports: organometallic chemistry meets surface science.

    PubMed

    Serna, Pedro; Gates, Bruce C

    2014-08-19

    Recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of small, essentially molecular metal complexes and metal clusters on support surfaces have brought new insights to catalysis and point the way to systematic catalyst design. We summarize recent work unraveling effects of key design variables of site-isolated catalysts: the metal, metal nuclearity, support, and other ligands on the metals, also considering catalysts with separate, complementary functions on supports. The catalysts were synthesized with the goal of structural simplicity and uniformity to facilitate incisive characterization. Thus, they are essentially molecular species bonded to porous supports chosen for their high degree of uniformity; the supports are crystalline aluminosilicates (zeolites) and MgO. The catalytic species are synthesized in reactions of organometallic precursors with the support surfaces; the precursors include M(L)2(acetylacetonate)1-2, with M = Ru, Rh, Ir, or Au and the ligands L = C2H4, CO, or CH3. Os3(CO)12 and Ir4(CO)12 are used as precursors of supported metal clusters, and some such catalysts are made by ship-in-a-bottle syntheses to trap the clusters in zeolite cages. The simplicity and uniformity of the supported catalysts facilitate precise structure determinations, even in reactive atmospheres and during catalysis. The methods of characterizing catalysts in reactive atmospheres include infrared (IR), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, and complementary methods include density functional theory and atomic-resolution aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy for imaging of individual metal atoms. IR, NMR, XANES, and microscopy data demonstrate the high degrees of uniformity of well-prepared supported species. The characterizations determine the compositions of surface metal complexes and clusters, including the ligands and the metal-support bonding and structure, which identify the supports as ligands with electron-donor properties that influence reactivity and catalysis. Each of the catalyst design variables has been varied independently, illustrated by mononuclear and tetranuclear iridium on zeolite HY and on MgO and by isostructural rhodium and iridium (diethylene or dicarbonyl) complexes on these supports. The data provide examples resolving the roles of the catalyst design variables and place the catalysis science on a firm foundation of organometallic chemistry linked with surface science. Supported molecular catalysts offer the advantages of characterization in the absence of solvents and with surface-science methods that do not require ultrahigh vacuum. Families of supported metal complexes have been made by replacement of ligands with others from the gas phase. Spectroscopically identified catalytic reaction intermediates help to elucidate catalyst performance and guide design. The methods are illustrated for supported complexes and clusters of rhodium, iridium, osmium, and gold used to catalyze reactions of small molecules that facilitate identification of the ligands present during catalysis: alkene dimerization and hydrogenation, H-D exchange in the reaction of H2 with D2, and CO oxidation. The approach is illustrated with the discovery of a highly active and selective MgO-supported rhodium carbonyl dimer catalyst for hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to give butenes.

  1. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gerceker, Duygu; Motagamwala, Ali Hussain; Rivera-Dones, Keishla R.

    Pt and PtSn catalysts supported on SiO 2 and H-ZSM-5 were studied for methane conversion under nonoxidative conditions. Addition of Sn to Pt/SiO 2 increased the turnover frequency for production of ethylene by a factor of 3, and pretreatment of the catalyst at 1123 K reduced the extent of coke formation. Pt and PtSn catalysts supported on H-ZSM-5 zeolite were prepared to improve the activity and selectivity to non-coke products. Ethylene formation rates were 20 times faster over a PtSn(1:3)/H-ZSM-5 catalyst with SiO 2:Al 2O 3 = 280 in comparison to those over PtSn(3:1)/SiO 2. H-ZSM-5-supported catalysts were also activemore » for the formation of aromatics, and the rates of benzene and naphthalene formation were increased by using more acidic H-ZSM-5 supports. These catalysts operate through a bifunctional mechanism, in which ethylene is first produced on highly dispersed PtSn nanoparticles and then is subsequently converted to benzene and naphthalene on Brønsted acid sites within the zeolite support. The most active and stable PtSn catalyst forms carbon products at a rate, 2.5 mmol of C/((mol of Pt) s), which is comparable to that of state-of-the-art Mo/H-ZSM-5 catalysts with same metal loading operated under similar conditions (1.8 mmol of C/((mol of Mo) s)). Scanning transmission electron microscopy measurements suggest the presence of smaller Pt nanoparticles on H-ZSM-5-supported catalysts, in comparison to SiO 2-supported catalysts, as a possible source of their high activity. As a result, a microkinetic model of methane conversion on Pt and PtSn surfaces, built using results from density functional theory calculations, predicts higher coupling rates on bimetallic and stepped surfaces, supporting the experimental observations that relate the high catalytic activity to small PtSn particles.« less

  2. Hydrolysis of Hemicellulose and Derivatives—A Review of Recent Advances in the Production of Furfural

    PubMed Central

    Delbecq, Frederic; Wang, Yantao; Muralidhara, Anitha; El Ouardi, Karim; Marlair, Guy; Len, Christophe

    2018-01-01

    Biobased production of furfural has been known for decades. Nevertheless, bioeconomy and circular economy concepts is much more recent and has motivated a regain of interest of dedicated research to improve production modes and expand potential uses. Accordingly, this review paper aims essentially at outlining recent breakthroughs obtained in the field of furfural production from sugars and polysaccharides feedstocks. The review discusses advances obtained in major production pathways recently explored splitting in the following categories: (i) non-catalytic routes like use of critical solvents or hot water pretreatment, (ii) use of various homogeneous catalysts like mineral or organic acids, metal salts or ionic liquids, (iii) feedstock dehydration making use of various solid acid catalysts; (iv) feedstock dehydration making use of supported catalysts, (v) other heterogeneous catalytic routes. The paper also briefly overviews current understanding of furfural chemical synthesis and its underpinning mechanism as well as safety issues pertaining to the substance. Eventually, some remaining research topics are put in perspective for further optimization of biobased furfural production. PMID:29868554

  3. Enhanced catalyst for converting synthesis gas to liquid motor fuels

    DOEpatents

    Coughlin, Peter K.

    1986-01-01

    The conversion of synthesis gas to liquid molar fuels by means of a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst composition is enhanced by the addition of molybdenum, tungsten or a combination thereof as an additional component of said composition. The presence of the additive component increases the olefinic content of the hydrocarbon products produced. The catalyst composition can advantageously include a support component, such as a molecular sieve, co-catalyst/support component or a combination of such support components.

  4. Impact of different catalysis supported by oyster shells on the pyrolysis of tyre wastes in a single and a double fixed bed reactor.

    PubMed

    Kordoghli, Sana; Khiari, Besma; Paraschiv, Maria; Zagrouba, Fethi; Tazerout, Mohand

    2017-09-01

    The treatment and disposal of tyres from vehicles has long been of considerable environmental importance. Studies have been undertaken to reduce their environmental impact. In this study, an alternative gas was produced from automobile tyre wastes by the means of a controlled pyrolysis. To do so, a novel catalytic system was designed with the aim of increasing the rate of conversion and improving the quality of the pyrolysis products. This work aimed also to reduce the severity of the overall reactions, by using powder catalysts (MgO, Al 2 O 3 , CaCO 3 , and zeolite ZSM-5) uniformly distributed on two layers of oyster shells (OS) particles. The catalyst/tyres mass ratio was kept for all the tests at 1/30. The pyrolysis reactor was maintained at 500°C and the influence of each catalyst and of the number of shell beds (0, 1 or 2), on the yield and composition of the derived products, was examined. The gas yields could contribute by 1.2% of total consumption in Tunisia. Furthermore, some combinations could upgrade the derived gas and made it possible to use it as such or with the minimum of post-treatment. It was found that, with the use of supported catalyst, the gas produced is 45% greater compared to classical thermal pyrolysis. The Heating value of the produced gas was also improved by the use of supported catalysts; it was found 16% greater with the use of Al 2 O 3 /OS compared to non-catalytic pyrolysis. When compared to the gas obtained from only one catalytic supported bed, the sulfur content was reduced by 80% with the use of CaCO 3 /OS on two catalytic beds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Method of forming supported doped palladium containing oxidation catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Mohajeri, Nahid

    2014-04-22

    A method of forming a supported oxidation catalyst includes providing a support comprising a metal oxide or a metal salt, and depositing first palladium compound particles and second precious metal group (PMG) metal particles on the support while in a liquid phase including at least one solvent to form mixed metal comprising particles on the support. The PMG metal is not palladium. The mixed metal particles on the support are separated from the liquid phase to provide the supported oxidation catalyst.

  6. Hydrothermal performance of catalyst supports

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Elam, Jeffrey W.; Marshall, Christopher L.; Libera, Joseph A.

    A high surface area catalyst with a mesoporous support structure and a thin conformal coating over the surface of the support structure. The high surface area catalyst support is adapted for carrying out a reaction in a reaction environment where the thin conformal coating protects the support structure within the reaction environment. In various embodiments, the support structure is a mesoporous silica catalytic support and the thin conformal coating comprises a layer of metal oxide resistant to the reaction environment which may be a hydrothermal environment.

  7. Design and application of sporopollenin microcapsule supported palladium catalyst: Remarkably high turnover frequency and reusability in catalysis of biaryls.

    PubMed

    Baran, Talat; Sargin, Idris; Kaya, Murat; Menteş, Ayfer; Ceter, Talip

    2017-01-15

    Bio-based catalyst support materials with high thermal and structural stability are desired for catalysts systems requiring harsh conditions. In this study, a thermally stable palladium catalyst (up to 440°C) was designed from sporopollenin, which occurs naturally in the outer exine layer of pollens and is widely acknowledged as chemically very stable and inert biological material. Catalyst design procedure included (1) extraction of sporopollenin microcapsules from Betula pendula pollens (∼25μm), (2) amino-functionalisation of the microcapsules, (3) Schiff base modification and (4) preparation of Pd(II) catalyst. The catalytic activity of the sporopollenin microcapsule supported palladium catalyst was tested in catalysis of biaryls by following a fast, simple and green microwave-assisted method. We recorded outstanding turnover number (TON: 40,000) and frequency (TOF: 400,000) for the catalyst in Suzuki coupling reactions. The catalyst proved to be reusable at least in eight cycles. The catalyst can be suggested for different catalyst systems due to its thermal and structural durability, reusability, inertness to air and its eco-friendly nature. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Autothermal and partial oxidation reformer-based fuel processor, method for improving catalyst function in autothermal and partial oxidation reformer-based processors

    DOEpatents

    Ahmed, Shabbir; Papadias, Dionissios D.; Lee, Sheldon H. D.; Ahluwalia, Rajesh K.

    2013-01-08

    The invention provides a fuel processor comprising a linear flow structure having an upstream portion and a downstream portion; a first catalyst supported at the upstream portion; and a second catalyst supported at the downstream portion, wherein the first catalyst is in fluid communication with the second catalyst. Also provided is a method for reforming fuel, the method comprising contacting the fuel to an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat; warming incoming fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst.

  9. Stable metal–organic framework-supported niobium catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    Ahn, Sol; Thornburg, Nicholas E.; Li, Zhanyong; ...

    2016-10-31

    In this study by developing structurally well-defined, supported oxide catalysts remains a significant challenge. Here, we report the grafting of Nb(V) oxide sites onto the nodes of the Zr-based metal organic framework (MOF) NU-1000 as a stable, well-defined catalyst support. Nb(V) oxide was deposited with loadings up to 1.6 mmol/g via two post-synthetic methods: atomic layer deposition in a MOF (AIM), and solution-phase grafting in a MOF (SIM). Difference envelope density (DED) measurements indicated that the two synthetic methods resulted in different local structures of the Nb(V) ions within NU-1000. Despite their high Nb(V) loadings, which were equivalent to >60%more » surface coverage, nearly all Nb(V) sites of the MOF-supported catalysts were active sites for alkene epoxidation, as confirmed by phenylphosphonic acid titration. The MOF-supported catalysts were more selective than the control Nb-ZrO 2 catalyst for cyclohexene epoxidation with aqueous H 2O 2, and were far more active on a gravimetric basis.« less

  10. CO 2 hydrogenation over oxide-supported PtCo catalysts: The role of the oxide support in determining the product selectivity

    DOE PAGES

    Kattel, Shyam; Yu, Weiting; Yang, Xiaofang; ...

    2016-05-09

    By simply changing the oxide support, the selectivity of a metal–oxide catalysts can be tuned. For the CO 2 hydrogenation over PtCo bimetallic catalysts supported on different reducible oxides (CeO 2, ZrO 2, and TiO 2), replacing a TiO 2 support by CeO 2 or ZrO 2 selectively strengthens the binding of C,O-bound and O-bound species at the PtCo–oxide interface, leading to a different product selectivity. Lastly, these results reveal mechanistic insights into how the catalytic performance of metal–oxide catalysts can be fine-tuned.

  11. Nanostructured catalyst supports

    DOEpatents

    Zhu, Yimin; Goldman, Jay L.; Qian, Baixin; Stefan, Ionel C.

    2012-10-02

    The present invention relates to SiC nanostructures, including SiC nanopowder, SiC nanowires, and composites of SiC nanopowder and nanowires, which can be used as catalyst supports in membrane electrode assemblies and in fuel cells. The present invention also relates to composite catalyst supports comprising nanopowder and one or more inorganic nanowires for a membrane electrode assembly.

  12. Sulfur tolerant zeolite supported platinum catalysts for aromatics hydrogenation

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1997-04-01

    An experimental study of sulfur tolerant zeolite platinum catalysts for aormatics hydrogenation. Platinum catalysts supported on Y-zeolite have been prepared and characterized in various ways, including the hydrogenation of toluene in a high pressure...

  13. Facile approach to prepare Pt decorated SWNT/graphene hybrid catalytic ink

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mayavan, Sundar, E-mail: sundarmayavan@cecri.res.in; Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 305-701; Mandalam, Aditya

    Highlights: • Pt NPs were in situ synthesized onto CNT–graphene support in aqueous solution. • The as-prepared material was used directly as a catalyst ink without further treatment. • Catalyst ink is active toward methanol oxidation. • This approach realizes both scalable and greener production of hybrid catalysts. - Abstract: Platinum nanoparticles were in situ synthesized onto hybrid support involving graphene and single walled carbon nanotube in aqueous solution. We investigate the reduction of graphene oxide, and platinum nanoparticle functionalization on hybrid support by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The as-preparedmore » platinum on hybrid support was used directly as a catalyst ink without further treatment and is active toward methanol oxidation. This work realizes both scalable and greener production of highly efficient hybrid catalysts, and would be valuable for practical applications of graphene based fuel cell catalysts.« less

  14. Homogeneous and Supported Niobium Catalysts as Lewis Acid and Radical Catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wayne Tikkanen

    2006-12-31

    The synthesis of tetrachlorotetraphenylcyclopentadienyl group 5 metal complexes has been accomplished through two routes, one a salt metathesis with lithiumtetraphenylcyclopentadiende and the other, reaction with trimethyltintetraphenylcyclopentadiene. The reactants and products have been characterized by {sup 1}H and {sup 13}C({sup 1}H) NMR spectroscopy. The niobium complex promotes the silylcyanation of butyraldehyde. The grafting of metal complexes to silica gel surfaces has been accomplished using tetrakisdimethylamidozirconium as the metal precursor. The most homogeneous binding as determined by CP-MAS {sup 13}C NMR and infrared spectroscopy was obtained with drying at 500 C at 3 mtorr vacuum. The remaining amido groups can be replacedmore » by reaction with alcohols to generate surface bound metal alkoxides. These bound catalysts promote silylcyanation of aryl aldehydes and can be reused three times with no loss of activity.« less

  15. Catalysts for the hydrodenitrogenation of organic materials and process for the preparation of the catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Laine, Richard M.; Hirschon, Albert S.; Wilson, Jr., Robert B.

    1987-01-01

    The present invention discloses a process for forming a catalyst for the hydrodenitrogenation of an organic feedstock, which includes (a) obtaining a precatalyst comprising cobalt and molybdenum or nickel and molybdenum; (b) adding in a non-oxidizing an atmosphere selected from hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, neon, argon, carbon monoxide or mixtures thereof to the precatalyst of step (a), a transition met ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION This invention was made in the course of research partially sponsored by the Department of Energy through grants DE-FG22-83P C60781 and DE-FG-85-PC80906, and partially supported by grant CHE82-19541 of the National Science Foundation. The invention is subject to Public Law 96-517 (and amendments), and the United States Government has rights in the present invention.

  16. Preparation and Characterization of Zirconia-Coated Nanodiamonds as a Pt Catalyst Support for Methanol Electro-Oxidation

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Jing; Zang, Jianbing; Wang, Yanhui; Xu, Yongchao; Xu, Xipeng

    2016-01-01

    Zirconia-coated nanodiamond (ZrO2/ND) electrode material was successfully prepared by one-step isothermal hydrolyzing from ND-dispersed ZrOCl2·8H2O aqueous solution. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals that a highly conformal and uniform ZrO2 shell was deposited on NDs by this simple method. The coating obtained at 90 °C without further calcination was mainly composed of monoclinic nanocrystalline ZrO2 rather than common amorphous Zr(OH)4 clusters. The ZrO2/NDs and pristine ND powder were decorated with platinum (Pt) nanoparticles by electrodeposition from 5 mM chloroplatinic acid solution. The electrochemical studies indicate that Pt/ZrO2/ND catalysts have higher electrocatalytic activity and better stability for methanol oxidation than Pt/ND catalysts in acid. PMID:28335361

  17. Crystalline titanate catalyst supports

    DOEpatents

    Anthony, R.G.; Dosch, R.G.

    1993-01-05

    A series of new crystalline titanates (CT) are shown to have considerable potential as catalyst supports. For Pd supported catalyst, the catalytic activity for pyrene hydrogenation was substantially different depending on the type of CT, and one was substantially more active than Pd on hydrous titanium oxide (HTO). For 1-hexene hydrogenation the activities of the new CTs were approximately the same as for the hydrous metal oxide supports.

  18. Crystalline titanate catalyst supports

    DOEpatents

    Anthony, Rayford G.; Dosch, Robert G.

    1993-01-01

    A series of new crystalline titanates (CT) are shown to have considerable potential as catalyst supports. For Pd supported catalyst, the catalytic activity for pyrene hydrogenation was substantially different depending on the type of CT, and one was substantially more active than Pd on hydrous titanium oxide (HTO). For 1-hexene hydrogenation the activities of the new CTs were approximately the same as for the hydrous metal oxide supports.

  19. Sintering of catalytic nanoparticles: particle migration or Ostwald ripening?

    PubMed

    Hansen, Thomas W; Delariva, Andrew T; Challa, Sivakumar R; Datye, Abhaya K

    2013-08-20

    Metal nanoparticles contain the active sites in heterogeneous catalysts, which are important for many industrial applications including the production of clean fuels, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and the cleanup of exhaust from automobiles and stationary power plants. Sintering, or thermal deactivation, is an important mechanism for the loss of catalyst activity. This is especially true for high temperature catalytic processes, such as steam reforming, automotive exhaust treatment, or catalytic combustion. With dwindling supplies of precious metals and increasing demand, fundamental understanding of catalyst sintering is very important for achieving clean energy and a clean environment, and for efficient chemical conversion processes with atom selectivity. Scientists have proposed two mechanisms for sintering of nanoparticles: particle migration and coalescence (PMC) and Ostwald ripening (OR). PMC involves the mobility of particles in a Brownian-like motion on the support surface, with subsequent coalescence leading to nanoparticle growth. In contrast, OR involves the migration of adatoms or mobile molecular species, driven by differences in free energy and local adatom concentrations on the support surface. In this Account, we divide the process of sintering into three phases. Phase I involves rapid loss in catalyst activity (or surface area), phase II is where sintering slows down, and phase III is where the catalyst may reach a stable performance. Much of the previous work is based on inferences from catalysts that were observed before and after long term treatments. While the general phenomena can be captured correctly, the mechanisms cannot be determined. Advancements in the techniques of in situ TEM allow us to observe catalysts at elevated temperatures under working conditions. We review recent evidence obtained via in situ methods to determine the relative importance of PMC and OR in each of these phases of catalyst sintering. The evidence suggests that, in phase I, OR is responsible for the rapid loss of activity that occurs when particles are very small. Surprisingly, very little PMC is observed in this phase. Instead, the rapid loss of activity is caused by the disappearance of the smallest particles. These findings are in good agreement with representative atomistic simulations of sintering. In phase II, sintering slows down since the smallest particles have disappeared. We now see a combination of PMC and OR, but do not fully understand the relative contribution of each of these processes to the overall rates of sintering. In phase III, the particles have grown large and other parasitic phenomena, such as support restructuring, can become important, especially at high temperatures. Examining the evolution of particle size and surface area with time, we do not see a stable or equilibrium state, especially for catalysts operating at elevated temperatures. In conclusion, the recent literature, especially on in situ studies, shows that OR is the dominant process causing the growth of nanoparticle size. Consequently, this leads to the loss of surface area and activity. While particle migration could be controlled through suitable structuring of catalyst supports, it is more difficult to control the mobility of atomically dispersed species. These insights into the mechanisms of sintering could help to develop sinter-resistant catalysts, with the ultimate goal of designing catalysts that are self-healing.

  20. Dispersed catalysts for co-processing and coal liquefaction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bockrath, B.; Parfitt, D.; Miller, R.

    1995-12-31

    The basic goal is to improve dispersed catalysts employed in the production of clean fuels from low value hydrocarbons. The immediate objective is to determine how the properties of the catalysts may be altered to match the demands placed on them by the properties of the feedstock, the qualities of the desired end products, and the economic constraints put upon the process. Several interrelated areas of the application of dispersed catalysts to co-processing and coal conversion are under investigation. The first involves control of the selectivity of MoS{sub 2} catalysts for HDN, HDS, and hydrogenation of aromatics. A second areamore » of research is the development and use of methods to evaluate dispersed catalysts by means of activity and selectivity tests. A micro-flow reactor has been developed for determining intrinsic reactivities using model compounds, and will be used to compare catalysts prepared in different ways. Micro-autoclaves will also be used to develop data in batch experiments at higher partial pressures of hydrogen. The third area under investigation concerns hydrogen spillover reactions between MoS{sub 2} catalysts and carbonaceous supports. Preliminary results obtained by monitoring H{sub 2}/D{sub 2} exchange reactions with a pulse-flow microreactor indicate the presence of spillover between MoS{sub 2} and a graphitic carbon. A more complete study will be made at a later stage of the project. Accomplishments and conclusions are discussed.« less

  1. Enhanced catalyst and process for converting synthesis gas to liquid motor fuels

    DOEpatents

    Coughlin, Peter K.

    1986-01-01

    The conversion of synthesis gas to liquid molar fuels by means of a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst composition is enhanced by the addition of molybdenum, tungsten or a combination thereof as an additional component of said composition. The presence of the additive component increases the olefinic content of the hydrocarbon products produced. The catalyst composition can advantageously include a support component, such as a molecular sieve, co-catalyst/support component or a combination of such support components.

  2. Platinum nanocatalysts prepared with different surfactants for C1-C3 alcohol oxidations and their surface morphologies by AFM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ertan, Salih; Şen, Fatih; Şen, Selda; Gökağaç, Gülsün

    2012-06-01

    In this study, platinum nanoparticle catalysts have been prepared using PtCl4 as a starting material and 1-octanethiol, 1-decanethiol, 1-dodecanethiol, and 1-hexadecanethiol as surfactants for methanol, ethanol, and 2-propanol oxidation reactions. The structure, particle sizes, and surface morphologies of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and TEM results indicate that all prepared catalysts have a face-centered cubic structure and are homogeneously dispersed on the carbon support with a narrow size distribution (2.0-1.3 nm). X-ray photoelectron spectra of the catalysts were examined and it is found that platinum has two different oxidation states, Pt (0) and Pt(IV), oxygen and sulfur compounds are H2Oads and OHads, bound and unbound thiols. The electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of these catalysts were investigated with respect to C1-C3 alcohol oxidations by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The highest electrocatalytic activity was obtained from catalyst I which was prepared with 1-octanethiol. This may be attributed to a decrease in the ratio of bound to unbound thiol species increase in Pt (0)/Pt(IV), H2Oads/OHads ratios, electrochemical surface area, CO tolerance and percent platinum utility.

  3. Partial oxidation of dimethyl ether using the structured catalyst Rh/Al2O3/Al prepared through the anodic oxidation of aluminum.

    PubMed

    Yu, B Y; Lee, K H; Kim, K; Byun, D J; Ha, H P; Byun, J Y

    2011-07-01

    The partial oxidation of dimethyl ether (DME) was investigated using the structured catalyst Rh/Al2O3/Al. The porous Al2O3 layer was synthesized on the aluminum plate through anodic oxidation in an oxalic-acid solution. It was observed that about 20 nm nanopores were well developed in the Al2O3 layer. The thickness of Al2O3 layer can be adjusted by controlling the anodizing time and current density. After pore-widening and hot-water treatment, the Al2O3/Al plate was calcined at 500 degrees C for 3 h. The obtained delta-Al2O3 had a specific surface area of 160 m2/g, making it fit to be used as a catalyst support. A microchannel reactor was designed and fabricated to evaluate the catalytic activity of Rh/Al2O3/Al in the partial oxidation of DME. The structured catalyst showed an 86% maximum hydrogen yield at 450 degrees C. On the other hand, the maximum syngas yield by a pack-bed-type catalyst could be attained by using a more than fivefold Rh amount compared to that used in the structured Rh/Al2O3/Al catalyst.

  4. Preparation and application of zirconium sulfate supported on SAPO-34 molecular sieve as solid acid catalyst for esterification

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xu, Dongyan, E-mail: xdy0156@sina.com; Ma, Hong; Cheng, Fei

    2014-05-01

    Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • SAPO-34 supported zirconium sulfate solid acid catalyst was prepared. • Esterification of acetic acid with ethanol can be catalyzed by ZS/SAPO-34. • The hydration of ZS is vital to the acidic property and catalytic performance. • The ZS/SAPO-34 catalyst treated at 200 °C shows good reusability. - Abstract: Zirconium sulfate (ZS) was supported on SAPO-34 molecular sieve by using an incipient wetness impregnation method with zirconium sulfate as the precursor. The as-prepared catalysts were used as solid acid catalyst for esterification reaction of acetic acid with ethanol. The influence of calcination temperature on the acidicmore » property, catalytic activity, and reusability of ZS/SAPO-34 catalysts were mainly investigated. FT-IR, SEM, EDS and TG analysis have been carried out to demonstrate the characteristics of ZS/SAPO-34 catalysts. It was found that the 30 wt%ZS/SAPO-34 catalysts display the property of superacid irrespective of calcination temperature. The ZS/SAPO-34 catalyst treated at 200 °C can enhance the interaction between the supported ZS and SAPO-34 and keep the catalyst remaining substantially active after several reaction cycles. However, further increasing calcination temperature will cause the transfer of ZS from hydrate to anhydrous phase, and thus the decrease of activity.« less

  5. Predicting catalyst-support interactions between metal nanoparticles and amorphous silica supports

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ewing, Christopher S.; Veser, Götz; McCarthy, Joseph J.; Lambrecht, Daniel S.; Johnson, J. Karl

    2016-10-01

    Metal-support interactions significantly affect the stability and activity of supported catalytic nanoparticles (NPs), yet there is no simple and reliable method for estimating NP-support interactions, especially for amorphous supports. We present an approach for rapid prediction of catalyst-support interactions between Pt NPs and amorphous silica supports for NPs of various sizes and shapes. We use density functional theory calculations of 13 atom Pt clusters on model amorphous silica supports to determine linear correlations relating catalyst properties to NP-support interactions. We show that these correlations can be combined with fast discrete element method simulations to predict adhesion energy and NP net charge for NPs of larger sizes and different shapes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this approach can be successfully transferred to Pd, Au, Ni, and Fe NPs. This approach can be used to quickly screen stability and net charge transfer and leads to a better fundamental understanding of catalyst-support interactions.

  6. A durable PtRu/C catalyst with a thin protective layer for direct methanol fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Shimazaki, Yuzuru; Hayasaka, Sho; Koyama, Tsubasa; Nagao, Daisuke; Kobayashi, Yoshio; Konno, Mikio

    2010-11-15

    A methanol oxidation catalyst with improved durability in acidic environments is reported. The catalyst consists of PtRu alloy nanoparticles on a carbon support that were stabilized with a silane-coupling agent. The catalyst was prepared by reducing ions of Pt and Ru in the presence of a carbon support and the silane-coupling agent. The careful choice of preparatory conditions such as the concentration of the silane-coupling agent and solution pH resulted in the preparation of catalyst in which the PtRu nanoparticles were dispersively adsorbed onto the carbon support. The catalytic activity was similar to that of a commercial catalyst and was unchanged after immersion in sulfuric acid solution for 1000 h, suggesting the high durability of the PtRu catalyst for the anode of direct methanol fuel cells. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Tunable and selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol and cyclopentanone over Pt supported on biomass-derived porous heteroatom doped carbon.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiuyun; Zhang, Bo; Fei, Benhua; Chen, Xiufang; Zhang, Junyi; Mu, Xindong

    2017-09-21

    The search for and exploitation of efficient catalytic systems for selective conversion of furfural into various high value-added chemicals remains a huge challenge for green synthesis in the chemical industry. Here, novel Pt nanoparticles supported on bamboo shoot-derived porous heteroatom doped carbon materials were designed as highly active catalysts for controlled hydrogenation of furfural in aqueous media. The porous heteroatom doped carbon supported Pt catalysts were endowed with a large surface area with a hierarchical porous structure, a high content of nitrogen and oxygen functionalities, a high dispersion of the Pt nanoparticles, good water dispersibility and reaction stability. Benefiting from these features, the novel Pt catalysts displayed a high activity and controlled tunable selectivity for furfural hydrogenation to produce furfuryl alcohol and cyclopentanone in water. The product selectivity could be easily modulated by controlling the carbonization temperature of the porous heteroatom doped carbon support and the reaction conditions (temperature and H 2 pressure). Under mild conditions (100 °C, 1 MPa H 2 ), furfuryl alcohol was obtained in water with complete conversion of the furfural and an impressive furfuryl alcohol selectivity of >99% in the presence of Pt/NC-BS-500. A higher reaction temperature, in water, favored rearrangement of the furfural (FFA) with Pt/NC-BS-800 as the catalyst, which resulted in a high cyclopentanone yield of >76% at 150 °C and 3 MPa H 2 . The surface properties and pore structure of the heteroatom doped carbon support, adjusted using the carbonization temperature, might determine the interactions between the Pt nanoparticles, carbon support and catalytic reactants in water, which in turn could have led to a good selectivity control. The effect of different reaction temperatures and reaction times on the product selectivity was also explored. Combined with exploration of the distribution of the reaction products, a reaction mechanism for furfural reduction has been proposed.

  8. One-pot deposition of palladium on hybrid TiO2 nanoparticles and catalytic applications in hydrogenation.

    PubMed

    Mehri, Afef; Kochkar, Hafedh; Daniele, Stéphane; Mendez, Violaine; Ghorbel, Abdelhamid; Berhault, Gilles

    2012-03-01

    One-pot deposition of Pd onto TiO(2) has been achieved through directly contacting palladium(II) salt with nanosized functionalized TiO(2) support initially obtained by sol-gel process using titanium isopropoxide and citric acid. Citrate groups act as functional moieties able to directly reduce the Pd salt avoiding any further reducing treatment. Various palladium salts (Na(2)PdCl(4) and Pd(NH(3))(4)Cl(2)·H(2)O) and titanium to citrate (Ti/CA) ratios (20, 50, and 100) were used in order to study the effect of the nature of the precursor and of the citrate content on the final Pd particle size and catalytic properties of the as-obtained Pd/TiO(2) systems. Characterization was performed using N(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms, ICP-AES, FTIR, XRD, XPS, and TEM. The as-obtained hybrid Pd/TiO(2) catalysts were tested in the selective hydrogenation (HYD) of an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, i.e. cinnamaldehyde. Citrate-free Pd/TiO(2)-based catalysts present lower selectivity into saturated alcohol. However, citrate-functionalized Pd/TiO(2) catalyst seems to control the selectivity, the particle size and dispersion of Pd NPs leading to high intrinsic activity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Catalytic destruction of PCDD/Fs over vanadium oxide-based catalysts.

    PubMed

    Yu, Ming-Feng; Lin, Xiao-Qing; Li, Xiao-Dong; Yan, Mi; Prabowo, Bayu; Li, Wen-Wei; Chen, Tong; Yan, Jian-Hua

    2016-08-01

    Vanadium oxide-based catalysts were developed for the destruction of vapour phase PCDD/Fs (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans). A vapour phase PCDD/Fs generating system was designed to supply stable PCDD/Fs steam with initial concentration of 3.2 ng I-TEQ Nm(-3). Two kinds of titania (nano-TiO2 and conventional TiO2) and alumina were used as catalyst supports. For vanadium-based catalysts supported on nano-TiO2, catalyst activity is enhanced with operating temperature increasing from 160 to 300 °C and then reduces with temperature rising further to 350 °C. It is mainly due to the fact that high volatility of organic compounds at 350 °C suppresses adsorption of PCDD/Fs on catalysts surface and then further inhibits the reaction between catalyst and PCDD/Fs. The optimum loading of vanadium on nano-TiO2 support is 5 wt.% where vanadium oxide presents highly dispersed amorphous state according to the Raman spectra and XRD patterns. Excessive vanadium will block the pore space and form microcrystalline V2O5 on the support surface. At the vanadium loading of 5 wt.%, nano-TiO2-supported catalyst performs best on PCDD/Fs destruction compared to Al2O3 and conventional TiO2. Chemical states of vanadium in the fresh, used and reoxidized VOx(5 %)/TiO2 catalysts at different operating temperature are also analysed by XPS.

  10. Support effects in single atom iron catalysts on adsorption characteristics of toxic gases (NO2, NH3, SO3 and H2S)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gao, Zhengyang; Yang, Weijie; Ding, Xunlei; Lv, Gang; Yan, Weiping

    2018-04-01

    The effects of support on gas adsorption is crucial for single atom catalysts design and optimization. To gain insight into support effects on gas adsorption characteristics, a comprehensive theoretical study was performed to investigate the adsorption characteristics of toxic gases (NO2, NH3, SO3 and H2S) by utilizing single atom iron catalysts with three graphene-based supports. The adsorption geometry, adsorption energy, electronic and magnetic properties of the adsorption system have been explored. Additionally, the support effects have been analyzed through d-band center and Fermi softness, and thermodynamic analysis has been performed to consider the effect of temperature on gas adsorption. The support effects have a remarkable influence on the adsorption characteristics of four types of toxic gases which is determined by the electronic structure of graphene-based support, and the electronic structure can be characterized by Fermi softness of catalysts. Fermi softness and uplift height of Fe atom could be good descriptors for the adsorption activity of single atom iron catalysts with graphene-based supports. The findings can lay a foundation for the further study of graphene-based support effects in single atom catalysts and provide a guideline for development and design of new graphene-based support materials utilizing the idea of Fermi softness.

  11. Supported organometallic catalysts for hydrogenation and Olefin Polymerization

    DOEpatents

    Marks, Tobin J.; Ahn, Hongsang

    2001-01-01

    Novel heterogeneous catalysts for the which hydrogenation of olefins and arenes with high conversion rates under ambient conditions and the polymerization of olefins have been developed. The catalysts are synthesized from Ziegler-type precatalysts by supporting them on sulfate-modified zirconia.

  12. Textured catalysts and methods of making textured catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Werpy, Todd [West Richland, WA; Frye, Jr., John G.; Wang, Yong [Richland, WA; Zacher, Alan H [Kennewick, WA

    2007-03-06

    A textured catalyst having a hydrothermally-stable support, a metal oxide and a catalyst component is described. Methods of conducting aqueous phase reactions that are catalyzed by a textured catalyst are also described. The invention also provides methods of making textured catalysts and methods of making chemical products using a textured catalyst.

  13. Multi-stage catalyst systems and uses thereof

    DOEpatents

    Ozkan, Umit S [Worthington, OH; Holmgreen, Erik M [Columbus, OH; Yung, Matthew M [Columbus, OH

    2009-02-10

    Catalyst systems and methods provide benefits in reducing the content of nitrogen oxides in a gaseous stream containing nitric oxide (NO), hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO), and oxygen (O.sub.2). The catalyst system comprises an oxidation catalyst comprising a first metal supported on a first inorganic oxide for catalyzing the oxidation of NO to nitrogen dioxide (NO.sub.2), and a reduction catalyst comprising a second metal supported on a second inorganic oxide for catalyzing the reduction of NO.sub.2 to nitrogen (N.sub.2).

  14. Selective Oxidation of n-Hexane by Cu (II) Nanoclusters Supported on Nanocrystalline Zirconia Catalyst.

    PubMed

    Acharyya, Shankha Shubhra; Ghosh, Shilpi; Adak, Shubhadeep; Singh, Raghuvir; Saran, Sandeep; Bal, Rajaram

    2015-08-01

    Cu (II) nanoclusters supported on nanocrystalline zirconia catalyst (with size ~15 nm), was prepared by using cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium in a hydrothermal synthesis method. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, XPS, TGA, SEM, TEM, FTIR and ICP-AES. The catalyst was found to be efficient in selective oxidation of n-hexane to 2-hexanol. An n-hexane conversion of 55%, with a 2-hexanol selectivity of 70% was achieved over this catalyst in liquid phase, without the use of any solvent. The catalyst can be reused several times without any significant activity loss.

  15. Metal-organic frameworks derived platinum-cobalt bimetallic nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped hollow porous carbon capsules as a highly active and durable catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ying, Jie; Li, Jing; Jiang, Gaopeng

    Pt-based nanomaterials are regarded as the most efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, widespread adoption of PEMFCs requires solutions to major challenges encountered with ORR catalysts, namely high cost, sluggish kinetics, and low durability. In this paper, a new efficient method utilizing Co-based metal-organic frameworks is developed to produce PtCo bimetallic nanoparticles embedded in unique nitrogen-doped hollow porous carbon capsules. The obtained catalyst demonstrates an outstanding ORR performance, with a mass activity that is 5.5 and 13.5 times greater than that of commercial Pt/C and Pt black, respectively. Most importantly,more » the product exhibits dramatically improved durability in terms of both electrochemically active surface area (ECAS) and mass activity compared to commercial Pt/C and Pt black catalysts. Finally, the remarkable ORR performance demonstrated here can be attributed to the structural features of the catalyst (its alloy structure, high dispersion and fine particle size) and the carbon support (its nitrogen dopant, large surface area and hollow porous structure).« less

  16. Surface science approach to Pt/carbon model catalysts: XPS, STM and microreactor studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Motin, Abdul Md.; Haunold, Thomas; Bukhtiyarov, Andrey V.; Bera, Abhijit; Rameshan, Christoph; Rupprechter, Günther

    2018-05-01

    Pt nanoparticles supported on carbon are an important technological catalyst. A corresponding model catalyst was prepared by physical vapor deposition (PVD) of Pt on sputtered HOPG (highly oriented pyrolytic graphite). The carbon substrate before and after sputtering as well as the Pt/HOPG system before and after Pt deposition and annealing were examined by XPS and STM. This yielded information on the surface density of defects, which serve as nucleation centres for Pt, and on the size distribution (mean size/height) of the Pt nanoparticles. Two different model catalysts were prepared with mean sizes of 2.0 and 3.6 nm, both turned out to be stable upon UHV-annealing to 300 °C. After transfer into a UHV-compatible flow microreactor and subsequent cleaning in UHV and under mbar pressure, the catalytic activity of the Pt/HOPG model system for ethylene hydrogenation was examined under atmospheric pressure flow conditions. This enabled to determine temperature-dependent conversion rates, turnover frequencies (TOFs) and activation energies. The catalytic results obtained are in line with the characteristics of technological Pt/C, demonstrating the validity of the current surface science based model catalyst approach.

  17. Facile Fabrication of Platinum-Cobalt Alloy Nanoparticles with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for a Methanol Oxidation Reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Huihong; Hu, Xiulan; Zhang, Jianbo; Su, Nan; Cheng, Jiexu

    2017-03-01

    Decreasing the cost associated with platinum-based catalysts along with improving their catalytic properties is a major challenge for commercial direct methanol fuel cells. In this work, a simple and facile strategy was developed for the more efficient preparation of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) -supported Pt/CoPt composite nanoparticles (NPs) via solution plasma sputtering with subsequent thermal annealing. Quite different from general wet synthesis methods, Pt/CoPt composite NPs were directly derived from metal wire electrodes without any additions. The obtained Pt/CoPt/MWCNTs composite catalysts exhibited tremendous improvement in the electro-oxidation of methanol in acidic media with mass activities of 1719 mA mg-1Pt. This value is much higher than that of previous reports of Pt-Co alloy and commercial Pt/C (3.16 times) because of the many active sites and clean surface of the catalysts. The catalysts showed good stability due to the special synergistic effects of the CoPt alloy. Pt/CoPt/MWCNTs can be used as a promising catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. In addition, this solution plasma sputtering-assisted synthesis method introduces a general and feasible route for the synthesis of binary alloys.

  18. Facile Fabrication of Platinum-Cobalt Alloy Nanoparticles with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for a Methanol Oxidation Reaction.

    PubMed

    Huang, Huihong; Hu, Xiulan; Zhang, Jianbo; Su, Nan; Cheng, JieXu

    2017-03-30

    Decreasing the cost associated with platinum-based catalysts along with improving their catalytic properties is a major challenge for commercial direct methanol fuel cells. In this work, a simple and facile strategy was developed for the more efficient preparation of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) -supported Pt/CoPt composite nanoparticles (NPs) via solution plasma sputtering with subsequent thermal annealing. Quite different from general wet synthesis methods, Pt/CoPt composite NPs were directly derived from metal wire electrodes without any additions. The obtained Pt/CoPt/MWCNTs composite catalysts exhibited tremendous improvement in the electro-oxidation of methanol in acidic media with mass activities of 1719 mA mg -1 Pt . This value is much higher than that of previous reports of Pt-Co alloy and commercial Pt/C (3.16 times) because of the many active sites and clean surface of the catalysts. The catalysts showed good stability due to the special synergistic effects of the CoPt alloy. Pt/CoPt/MWCNTs can be used as a promising catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. In addition, this solution plasma sputtering-assisted synthesis method introduces a general and feasible route for the synthesis of binary alloys.

  19. Innovative Sol-Gel Routes for the Bottom-up Preparation of Heterogeneous Catalysts.

    PubMed

    Debecker, Damien P

    2017-12-11

    Heterogeneous catalysts can be prepared by different methods offering various levels of control on the final properties of the solid. In this account, we exemplify bottom-up preparation routes that are based on the sol-gel chemistry and allow to tailor some decisive properties of solid catalysts. First, an emulsion templating strategy is shown to lead to macrocellular self-standing monoliths with a macroscopic 3D structure. The latter can be used as catalyst or catalyst supports in flow chemistry, without requiring any subsequent shaping step. Second, the aerosol-assisted sol-gel process allows for the one-step and continuous production of porous mixed oxides. Tailored textural properties can be obtained together with an excellent control on composition and homogeneity. Third, the application of non-hydrolytic sol-gel routes, in the absence of water, leads to mixed oxides with outstanding textural properties and with peculiar surface chemistry. In all cases, the resulting catalytic performance can be correlated with the specificities of the preparation routes presented. This is exemplified in catalytic reactions in the fields of biomass conversion, petro chemistry, enantioselective organic synthesis, and air pollution mitigation. © 2017 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. Facile preparation of three-dimensional Co1-xS/sulfur and nitrogen-codoped graphene/carbon foam for highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Hui; Li, Chenwei; Chen, Tao; Cui, Liang; Han, Jingrui; Peng, Zhi; Liu, Jingquan

    2018-02-01

    Because of the urgent need for renewable resources, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been widely studied. Finding efficient and low cost non-precious metal catalyst is increasingly critical. In this study, melamine foam is used as template to obtain porous sulfur and nitrogen-codoped graphene/carbon foam with uniformly distributed cobalt sulfide nanoparticles (Co1-xS/SNG/CF) which is prepared by a simple infiltration-drying-sulfuration method. It is noteworthy that melamine foam not only works as a three-dimensional support skeleton, but also provides a nitrogen source without any environmental pollution. Such Co1-xS/SNG/CF catalyst shows excellent oxygen reduction catalytic performance with an onset potential of only 0.99 V, which is the same as that of Pt/C catalyst (Eonset = 0.99 V). Furthermore, the stability and methanol tolerance of Co1-xS/SNG/CF are more outstanding than those of Pt/C catalyst. Our work manifests a facile method to prepare S and N-codoped 3D graphene network decorated with Co1-xS nanoparticles, which may be utilized as potential alternative to the expensive Pt/C catalysts toward ORR.

  1. Metal-organic frameworks derived platinum-cobalt bimetallic nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped hollow porous carbon capsules as a highly active and durable catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

    DOE PAGES

    Ying, Jie; Li, Jing; Jiang, Gaopeng; ...

    2017-11-29

    Pt-based nanomaterials are regarded as the most efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, widespread adoption of PEMFCs requires solutions to major challenges encountered with ORR catalysts, namely high cost, sluggish kinetics, and low durability. In this paper, a new efficient method utilizing Co-based metal-organic frameworks is developed to produce PtCo bimetallic nanoparticles embedded in unique nitrogen-doped hollow porous carbon capsules. The obtained catalyst demonstrates an outstanding ORR performance, with a mass activity that is 5.5 and 13.5 times greater than that of commercial Pt/C and Pt black, respectively. Most importantly,more » the product exhibits dramatically improved durability in terms of both electrochemically active surface area (ECAS) and mass activity compared to commercial Pt/C and Pt black catalysts. Finally, the remarkable ORR performance demonstrated here can be attributed to the structural features of the catalyst (its alloy structure, high dispersion and fine particle size) and the carbon support (its nitrogen dopant, large surface area and hollow porous structure).« less

  2. A comparative study of alumina-supported Ni catalysts prepared by photodeposition and impregnation methods on the catalytic ozonation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rodríguez, Julia L.; Valenzuela, Miguel A.; Tiznado, Hugo; Poznyak, Tatiana; Chairez, Isaac; Magallanes, Diana

    2017-02-01

    The heterogeneous catalytic ozonation on unsupported and supported oxides has been successfully tested for the removal of several refractory compounds in aqueous solution. In this work, alumina-supported nickel catalysts prepared by photodeposition and impregnation methods were compared in the catalytic ozonation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The catalysts were characterized by high-resolution electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photochemical decomposition of Ni acetylacetonate to produce Ni(OH)2, NiO, and traces of Ni° deposited on alumina was achieved in the presence of benzophenone as a sensitizer. A similar surface composition was found with the impregnated catalyst after its reduction with hydrogen at 500 °C and exposed to ambient air. Results indicated a higher initial activity and maleic acid (byproduct) concentration with the photodeposited catalyst (1 wt% Ni) compared to the impregnated catalyst (3 wt% Ni). These findings suggest the use of the photodeposition method as a simple and reliable procedure for the preparation of supported metal oxide/metal catalysts under mild operating conditions.

  3. Pt based PEMFC catalysts prepared from colloidal particle suspensions--a toolbox for model studies.

    PubMed

    Speder, Jozsef; Altmann, Lena; Roefzaad, Melanie; Bäumer, Marcus; Kirkensgaard, Jacob J K; Mortensen, Kell; Arenz, Matthias

    2013-03-14

    A colloidal synthesis approach is presented that allows systematic studies of the properties of supported proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalysts. The applied synthesis route is based on the preparation of monodisperse nanoparticles in the absence of strong binding organic stabilizing agents. No temperature post-treatment of the catalyst is required rendering the synthesis route ideally suitable for comparative studies. We report work concerning a series of catalysts based on the same colloidal Pt nanoparticle (NP) suspension, but with different high surface area (HSA) carbon supports. It is shown that for the prepared catalysts the carbon support has no catalytic co-function, but carbon pre-treatment leads to enhanced sticking of the Pt NPs on the support. An unwanted side effect, however, is NP agglomeration during synthesis. By contrast, enhanced NP sticking without agglomeration can be accomplished by the addition of an ionomer to the NP suspension. The catalytic activity of the prepared catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction is comparable to industrial catalysts and no influence of the particle size is found in the range of 2-5 nm.

  4. W-containing oxide layers obtained on aluminum and titanium by PEO as catalysts in thiophene oxidation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rudnev, V. S.; Lukiyanchuk, I. V.; Vasilyeva, M. S.; Morozova, V. P.; Zelikman, V. M.; Tarkhanova, I. G.

    2017-11-01

    W-containing oxide layers fabricated on titanium and aluminum alloys by Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) have been tested in the reaction of the peroxide oxidation of thiophene. Samples with two types of coatings have been investigated. Coatings I contained tungsten oxide in the matrix and on the surface of amorphous silica-titania or silica-alumina layers, while coatings II comprised crystalline WO3 and/or Al2(WO4)3. Aluminum-supported catalyst containing a smallest amount of transition metals in the form of tungsten oxides and manganese oxides in low oxidation levels showed high activity and stability.

  5. Development of Ultra-Low Platinum Alloy Cathode Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Popov, Branko N.; Weidner, John

    2016-01-07

    The goal of this project is to synthesize a low cost PEM fuel cell cathode catalyst and support with optimized average mass activity, stability of mass activity, initial high current density performance under H 2/air (power density), and catalyst and support stability able to meet 2017 DOE targets for electrocatalysts for transportation applications. Pt*/ACCS-2 catalyst was synthesized according to a novel methodology developed at USC through: (i) surface modification, (ii) metal catalyzed pyrolysis and (iii) chemical leaching to remove excess meal used to dope the support. Pt* stands for suppressed platinum catalyst synthesized with Co doped platinum. The procedure resultsmore » in increasing carbon graphitization, inclusion of cobalt in the bulk and formation of non-metallic active sites on the carbon surface. Catalytic activity of the support shows an onset potential of 0.86 V for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with well-defined kinetic and mass transfer regions and 2.5% H 2O 2 production. Pt*/ACCS-2 catalyst durability under 0.6-1.0 V potential cycling and support stability under 1.0-1.5 V potential cycling was evaluated. The results indicated excellent catalyst and support performance under simulated start-up/shut down operating conditions (1.0 – 1.5 V, 5000 cycles) which satisfy DOE 2017 catalyst and support durability and activity. The 30% Pt*/ACCS-2 catalyst showed high initial mass activity of 0.34 A/mg PGM at 0.9 ViR-free and loss of mass activity of 45% after 30,000 cycles (0.6-1.0 V). The catalyst performance under H 2-air fuel cell operating conditions showed only 24 mV (iR-free) loss at 0.8 A/cm 2 with an ECSA loss of 42% after 30,000 cycles (0.6-1.0 V). The support stability under 1.0-1.5 V potential cycling showed mass activity loss of 50% and potential loss of 8 mV (iR-free) at 1.5 A/cm 2. The ECSA loss was 22% after 5,000 cycles. Furthermore, the Pt*/ACCS-2 catalyst showed an initial power density (rated) of 0.174 g PGM/kW. Excellent activity and stability of the catalyst are due to synergistic effect of the catalytic activity and stability of ACCS-2, its enhanced hydrophobicity as well as activity of compressive Pt* lattice catalysts. For the first time, we report a carbon based support which is stable under simulated start-up/shut down operating conditions. Five 25cm 2 MEA’s were fabricated at USC using Pt*/ACCS-2 cathode catalyst for independent evaluation at National Renewable Energy. In the Final NREL report they summarize their results as follow: (1) Initial ORR activity and performance of the USC MEA’s Pt*/ACCS-2 under oxygen air, evaluated at NREL were comparable to that measured and reported by USC in their report: (2) Cyclic durability studies indicate that Pt*/ACCS-2 catalysts has minimal losses in activity and performant under 1-1.5 V potential cycling indicating a robust corrosion resistant support.« less

  6. Fischer-Tropsch activity for non-promoted cobalt-on-alumina catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Singleton, Alan H.; Oukaci, Rachid; Goodwin, James G.

    2001-01-01

    Cobalt catalysts, and processes employing these inventive catalysts, for hydrocarbon synthesis. The inventive catalyst comprises cobalt on an alumina support and is not promoted with any noble or near noble metals. In one aspect of the invention, the alumina support preferably includes a dopant in an amount effective for increasing the activity of the inventive catalyst. The dopant is preferably a titanium dopant. In another aspect of the invention, the cobalt catalyst is preferably reduced in the presence of hydrogen at a water vapor partial pressure effective to increase the activity of the cobalt catalyst for hydrocarbon synthesis. The water vapor partial pressure is preferably in the range of from 0 to about 0.1 atmospheres.

  7. Determination of the dominant catalyst derived from the classic [RhCp*Cl₂]₂ precatalyst system: Is it single-metal Rh₁Cp*-based, subnanometer Rh₄ cluster-based, or Rh(0) n nanoparticle-based cyclohexene hydrogenation catalysis at room temperature and mild pressures?

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bayram, Ercan; Linehan, John C.; Fulton, John L.

    Determining the kinetically dominant catalyst in a given catalytic system is a forefront topic in catalysis. The [RhCp*Cl₂]₂ (Cp* =[η⁵-C₅(CH₃)₅]) system pioneered by Maitlis and co-workers is a classic precatalyst system from which homogeneous mononuclear Rh₁, subnanometer Rh₄ cluster, and heterogeneous polymetallic Rh(0) n nanoparticle have all arisen as viable candidates for the true hydrogenation catalyst, depending on the precise substrate, H₂ pressure, temperature, and catalyst concentration conditions. Addressed herein is the question of whether the prior assignment of homogeneous, mononuclear Rh₁Cp*-based catalysis is correct, or are trace Rh₄ subnanometer clusters or possibly Rh(0) n nanoparticles the dominant, actualmore » cyclohexene hydrogenation catalyst at 22 °C and 2.7 atm initial H₂ pressure? The observation herein of Rh₄ species by in operando-X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, at the only slightly more vigorous conditions of 26 °C and 8.3 atm H₂ pressure, and the confirmation of Rh₄ clusters by ex situ mass spectroscopy raises the question of the dominant, room temperature, and mild pressure cyclohexene hydrogenation catalyst derived from the classic [RhCp*Cl₂]₂ precatalyst pioneered by Maitlis and co-workers. Ten lines of evidence are provided herein to address the nature of the true room temperature and mild pressure cyclohexene hydrogenation catalyst derived from [RhCp*Cl₂]₂. Especially significant among those experiments are quantitative catalyst poisoning experiments, in the present case using 1,10-phenanthroline. Those poisoning studies allow one to distinguish mononuclear Rh₁, subnanometer Rh₄ cluster, and Rh(0) n nanoparticle catalysis hypotheses. The evidence obtained provides a compelling case for a mononuclear, Rh₁Cp*-based cyclohexene hydrogenation catalyst at 22 °C and 2.7 atm H₂ pressure. The resultant methodology, especially the quantitative catalyst poisoning experiments in combination with in operando spectroscopy, is expected to be more broadly applicable to the study of other systems and the “what is the true catalyst?” question. The authors would like to thank Finke Group members and Prof. Saim Ö zkar for their valuable input as this work was proceeding. This work was supported at Colorado State University by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences, vial DOE Grant SE-FG402-03ER15453. The work at PNNL was also supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geo-sciences & Biosciences. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a multiprogram national laboratory operated for the DOE by Battelle. XSD/PNC facilities at the Advanced Photon Source and research at these facilities are supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences; a Major Resources Support Grant from NSERC; the University of Washington; the Canadian Light Source; and the Advanced Photon Source. Use of the Advanced Photon Source, an Office of Science User Facility operated for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory was supported by the U.S. DOE under Contract No. DE-AC02- 06CH11357.« less

  8. Supported versus colloidal zinc oxide for advanced oxidation processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laxman, Karthik; Al Rashdi, Manal; Al Sabahi, Jamal; Al Abri, Mohammed; Dutta, Joydeep

    2017-07-01

    Photocatalysis is a green technology which typically utilizes either supported or colloidal catalysts for the mineralization of aqueous organic contaminants. Catalyst surface area and surface energy are the primary factors determining its efficiency, but correlation between the two is still unclear. This work explores their relation and hierarchy in a photocatalytic process involving both supported and colloidal catalysts. In order to do this the active surface areas of supported zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NR's) and colloidal zinc oxide nanoparticles (having different surface energies) were equalized and their phenol oxidation mechanism and capacity was analyzed. It was observed that while surface energy had subtle effects on the oxidation rate of the catalysts, the degradation efficiency was primarily a function of the surface area; which makes it a better parameter for comparison when studying different catalyst forms of the same material. Thus we build a case for the use of supported catalysts, wherein their catalytic efficiency was tested to be unaltered over several days under both natural and artificial light, suggesting their viability for practical applications.

  9. Studies on KIT-6 Supported Cobalt Catalyst for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gnanamani, M.; Jacobs, G; Graham, U

    2010-01-01

    KIT-6 molecular sieve was used as a support to prepare cobalt catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using an incipient wetness impregnation method to produce cobalt loadings of 15 and 25 wt%. The catalysts were characterized by BET surface area, X-ray diffraction, scanning transmission election microscopy (STEM), extended X-ray absorption fine spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy. The catalytic properties for FTS were evaluated using a 1L CSTR reactor. XRD, pore size distribution, and STEM analysis indicate that the KIT-6 mesostructure remains stable during and after cobalt impregnation and tends to form smaller cobalt particles, probably located inside the mesopores.more » The mesoporous KIT-6 exhibited a slightly higher cobalt dispersion compared to amorphous SiO{sub 2} supported catalyst. With the higher Co loading (25 wt%) on KIT-6, partial structural collapse was observed after the FTS reaction. Compared to an amorphous SiO{sub 2} supported cobalt catalyst, KIT-6 supported cobalt catalyst displayed higher methane selectivity at a similar Co loading, likely due to diffusion effects.« less

  10. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ye, Rong; Zhukhovitskiy, Aleksandr V.; Deraedt, Christophe V.

    Recyclable catalysts, especially those that display selective reactivity, are vital for the development of sustainable chemical processes. Among available catalyst platforms, heterogeneous catalysts are particularly well-disposed toward separation from the reaction mixture via filtration methods, which renders them readily recyclable. Furthermore, heterogeneous catalysts offer numerous handles—some without homogeneous analogues—for performance and selectivity optimization. These handles include nanoparticle size, pore profile of porous supports, surface ligands and interface with oxide supports, and flow rate through a solid catalyst bed. Despite these available handles, however, conventional heterogeneous catalysts are themselves often structurally heterogeneous compared to homogeneous catalysts, which complicates efforts to optimizemore » and expand the scope of their reactivity and selectivity. Ongoing efforts in our laboratories are aimed to address the above challenge by heterogenizing homogeneous catalysts, which can be defined as the modification of homogeneous catalysts to render them in a separable (solid) phase from the starting materials and products. Specifically, we grow the small nanoclusters in dendrimers, a class of uniform polymers with the connectivity of fractal trees and generally radial symmetry. Thanks to their dense multivalency, shape persistence, and structural uniformity, dendrimers have proven to be versatile scaffolds for the synthesis and stabilization of small nanoclusters. Then these dendrimer-encapsulated metal clusters (DEMCs) are adsorbed onto mesoporous silica. Through this method, we have achieved selective transformations that had been challenging to accomplish in a heterogeneous setting, e.g., π-bond activation and aldol reactions. Extensive investigation into the catalytic systems under reaction conditions allowed us to correlate the structural features (e.g., oxidation states) of the catalysts and their activity. Moreover, we have demonstrated that supported DEMCs are also excellent catalysts for typical heterogeneous reactions, including hydrogenation and alkane isomerization. Critically, these investigations also confirmed that the supported DEMCs are heterogeneous and stable against leaching. Catalysts optimization is achieved through the modulation of various parameters. The clusters are oxidized (e.g., with PhICl 2) or reduced (e.g., with H 2) in situ. Changing the dendrimer properties (e.g., generation, terminal functional groups) is analogous to ligand modification in homogeneous catalysts, which affect both catalytic activity and selectivity. Similarly, pore size of the support is another factor in determining product distribution. In a flow reactor, the flow rate is adjusted to control the residence time of the starting material and intermediates, and thus the final product selectivity. Our approach to heterogeneous catalysis affords various advantages: (1) the catalyst system can tap into the reactivity typical to homogeneous catalysts, which conventional heterogeneous catalysts could not achieve; (2) unlike most homogeneous catalysts with comparable performance, the heterogenized homogeneous catalysts can be recycled; (3) improved activity or selectivity compared to conventional homogeneous catalysts is possible because of uniquely heterogeneous parameters for optimization. Here in this Account, we will briefly introduce metal clusters and describe the synthesis and characterizations of supported DEMCs. We will present the catalysis studies of supported DEMCs in both the batch and flow modes. Lastly, we will summarize the current state of heterogenizing homogeneous catalysis and provide future directions for this area of research.« less

  11. Surface-reconstructed graphite nanofibers as a support for cathode catalysts of fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Gan, Lin; Du, Hongda; Li, Baohua; Kang, Feiyu

    2011-04-07

    Graphite nanofibers (GNFs), on which surface graphite edges were reconstructed into nano-loops, were explored as a cathode catalyst support for fuel cells. The high degree of graphitization, as well as the surface-reconstructed nano-loops that possess topological defects for uniform metal deposition, resulted in an improved performance of the GNF-supported Pt catalyst.

  12. Nanosheet Supported Single-Metal Atom Bifunctional Catalyst for Overall Water Splitting.

    PubMed

    Ling, Chongyi; Shi, Li; Ouyang, Yixin; Zeng, Xiao Cheng; Wang, Jinlan

    2017-08-09

    Nanosheet supported single-atom catalysts (SACs) can make full use of metal atoms and yet entail high selectivity and activity, and bifunctional catalysts can enable higher performance while lowering the cost than two separate unifunctional catalysts. Supported single-atom bifunctional catalysts are therefore of great economic interest and scientific importance. Here, on the basis of first-principles computations, we report a design of the first single-atom bifunctional eletrocatalyst, namely, isolated nickel atom supported on β 12 boron monolayer (Ni 1 /β 12 -BM), to achieve overall water splitting. This nanosheet supported SAC exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic performance with the computed overpotential for oxygen/hydrogen evolution reaction being just 0.40/0.06 V. The ab initio molecular dynamics simulation shows that the SAC can survive up to 800 K elevated temperature, while enacting a high energy barrier of 1.68 eV to prevent isolated Ni atoms from clustering. A viable experimental route for the synthesis of Ni 1 /β 12 -BM SAC is demonstrated from computer simulation. The desired nanosheet supported single-atom bifunctional catalysts not only show great potential for achieving overall water splitting but also offer cost-effective opportunities for advancing clean energy technology.

  13. Methods of making textured catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Werpy, Todd [West Richland, WA; Frye, Jr., John G.; Wang, Yong [Richland, WA; Zacher, Alan H [Kennewick, WA

    2010-08-17

    A textured catalyst having a hydrothermally-stable support, a metal oxide and a catalyst component is described. Methods of conducting aqueous phase reactions that are catalyzed by a textured catalyst are also described. The invention also provides methods of making textured catalysts and methods of making chemical products using a textured catalyst.

  14. Dispersion enhanced metal/zeolite catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Sachtler, W.M.H.; Tzou, M.S.; Jiang, H.J.

    1987-03-31

    Dispersion stabilized zeolite supported metal catalysts are provided as bimetallic catalyst combinations. The catalyst metal is in a reduced zero valent form while the dispersion stabilizer metal is in an unreduced ionic form. Representative catalysts are prepared from platinum or nickel as the catalyst metal and iron or chromium dispersion stabilizer.

  15. Dispersion enhanced metal/zeolite catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Sachtler, Wolfgang M. H.; Tzou, Ming-Shin; Jiang, Hui-Jong

    1987-01-01

    Dispersion stabilized zeolite supported metal catalysts are provided as bimetallic catalyst combinations. The catalyst metal is in a reduced zero valent form while the dispersion stabilizer metal is in an unreduced ionic form. Representative catalysts are prepared from platinum or nickel as the catalyst metal and iron or chromium dispersion stabilizer.

  16. Magnetic Carbon Supported Palladium Nanoparticles: An Efficient and Sustainable Catalyst for Hydrogenation Reactions

    EPA Science Inventory

    Magnetic carbon supported Pd catalyst has been synthesized via in situ generation of nanoferrites and incorporation of carbon from renewable cellulose via calcination; the catalyst can be used for the hydrogenation of alkenes and reduction of aryl nitro compounds.

  17. A RhxSy/C Catalyst for the Hydrogen Oxidation and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions in HBr

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Masud, J; Nguyen, TV; Singh, N

    Rhodium sulfide (Rh2S3) on carbon support was synthesized by refluxing rhodium chloride with ammonium thiosulfate. Thermal treatment of Rh2S3 at high temperatures (600 degrees C to 850 degrees C) in presence of argon resulted in the transformation of Rh2S3 into Rh3S4, Rh17S15 and Rh which were characterized by TGA/DTA, XRD, EDX, and deconvolved XPS analyses. The catalyst particle size distribution ranged from 3 to 12 nm. Cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode measurements were used to evaluate the catalytic activity for hydrogen oxidation and evolution reactions in H2SO4 and HBr solutions. The thermally treated catalysts show high activity for themore » hydrogen reactions. The exchange current densities (i(o)) of the synthesized RhxSy catalysts in H-2-saturated 1M H2SO4 and 1M HBr for HER and HOR were 0.9 mA/cm(2) to 1.0 mA/cm(2) and 0.8 to 0.9 mA/cm(2), respectively. The lower i(o) values obtained in 1M HBr solution compared to in H2SO4 might be due to the adsorption of Br- on the active surface. Stable electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of RhxSy catalyst was obtained for CV scan limits between 0 V and 0.65 V vs. RHE. Scans with upper voltage limit beyond 0.65 V led to decreased and unreproducible ECSA measurements. (C) The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. All rights reserved.« less

  18. PdCo nanoparticles supported on carbon fibers derived from cotton: Maximum utilization of Pd atoms for efficient reduction of nitroarenes.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jin; Wang, Wei David; Dong, Zhengping

    2018-08-15

    In the present work, a facile and environment-friendly route is illustrated for the efficient fabrication of highly dispersed PdCo nanoparticles (NPs) by modified cotton-derived carbon fibers (PdCo/CCF). Firstly, commercial cotton was impregnated with CoCl 2 , followed by pyrolysis under high calcination temperature to obtain the Co NPs modified CCF sample (Co/CCF). Secondly, Co/CCF was treated with Pd(AcO) 2 aqueous solution, wherein, through a spontaneous replacement reaction process, Pd 2+ is reduced to metallic Pd and mostly covered on the surface of the Co NPs. Thus, the PdCo/CCF catalyst was obtained avoiding the use of toxic reductants like NaBH 4 , NH 2 NH 2 and HCHO. The PdCo/CCF catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and recyclability for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and other nitroarenes compared with Pd/CCF, PdCo NPs and many other noble metals based catalysts. The reasons could be attributed to the uniformly dispersed and accessible PdCo NPs on the surface of the CCF, and the Pd atoms deposited on the Co NPs surface that makes the Pd active sites available for optimum use. The PdCo/CCF catalyst also exhibits potential application for catalytic reduction of nitroarenes in a fixed bed reactor under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the PdCo/CCF catalyst can be magnetically recycled and reused for at least ten cycles without either losing catalytic activity or leaching of Pd active sites, thereby confirming its superior stability. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Dry reforming of methane via plasma-catalysis: influence of the catalyst nature supported on alumina in a packed-bed DBD configuration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brune, L.; Ozkan, A.; Genty, E.; Visart de Bocarmé, T.; Reniers, F.

    2018-06-01

    These days, the consideration of CO2 as a feedstock has become the subject of more interest. The reutilization of CO2 is already possible via cold plasma techniques operating at atmospheric pressure. A promising technology is the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). In most cases DBDs exhibit a low energy efficiency for CO2 conversion. However, several routes can be used to increase this efficiency and hence, the product formation. One of these routes is the packed-bed DBD configuration with porous beads inside the gap of the DBD, which also allows the coupling of plasma with catalysis. Catalysts can be introduced in such a configuration to exploit the synergistic effect between plasma and catalytically active surfaces, leading to a more efficient process. In this article, the dry reforming of methane (DRM) is studied, which aims to convert both CO2 and CH4, another greenhouse gas, at the same time. The conversions and energy costs of the DRM process are investigated and compared in both the packed-bed DBD configurations containing catalysts (Co, Cu or Ni) and the classical DBD. The change in filamentary behavior is studied in detail and correlated with the obtained conversions using gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and using an oscilloscope. A characterization of the catalysts on the beads is also carried out. Both the CO2 and CH4 conversions are clearly increased with the plasma-catalysis. Moreover, CH4 conversions as high as 90% can be obtained in certain conditions with copper catalysts.

  20. A Rh xS y/C Catalyst for the Hydrogen Oxidation and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions in HBr

    DOE PAGES

    Masud, Jahangir; Nguyena, Trung V.; Singh, Nirala; ...

    2015-02-01

    Rhodium sulfide (Rh 2S 3) on carbon support was synthesized by refluxing rhodium chloride with ammonium thiosulfate. Thermal treatment of Rh 2S 3 at high temperatures (600°C to 850°C) in presence of argon resulted in the transformation of Rh 2S 3 into Rh 3S 4, Rh 17S 15 and Rh which were characterized by TGA/DTA, XRD, EDX, and deconvolved XPS analyses. The catalyst particle size distribution ranged from 3 to 12 nm. Cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode measurements were used to evaluate the catalytic activity for hydrogen oxidation and evolution reactions in H 2SO 4 and HBr solutions. Themore » thermally treated catalysts show high activity for the hydrogen reactions. The exchange current densities (i o) of the synthesized Rh xS y catalysts in H 2-saturated 1M H 2SO 4 and 1M HBr for HER and HOR were 0.9 mA/cm 2 to 1.0 mA/cm 2 and 0.8 to 0.9 mA/cm 2, respectively. The lower i o values obtained in 1M HBr solution compared to in H 2SO 4 might be due to the adsorption of Br - on the active surface. Stable electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of Rh xS y catalyst was obtained for CV scan limits between 0 V and 0.65 V vs. RHE. Scans with upper voltage limit beyond 0.65 V led to decreased and unreproducible ECSA measurements.« less

  1. Carefully designed oxygen-containing functional groups and defects of porous carbon spheres with UV-O3 treatment and their enhanced catalytic performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Weiliang; Huang, Xiaosheng; Lu, Gongxuan; Tang, Zhicheng

    2018-04-01

    In this paper, the support surface properties (surface oxygen-containing functional groups and structure defects) of porous carbon spheres (PCSs) were carefully designed by as UV assisted O3 technology. CO catalytic oxidation reactions performed over the supported Pd-Ce catalysts on modified porous carbon spheres. Results illustrated that the Pd-Ce/PCSs catalysts exhibited high CO catalytic activity, which were increased at first, and then decreased with UV assistant-O3 treatment time. The Pd-Ce/PCSs-30 catalyst exhibited superior activity and T100 was only 15 °C. Moreover, the Pd-Ce/PCSs-30 catalyst obtained an excellent stability, and 100% CO conversion could be maintained as the time on stream evolutes up to 16h in the presence of H2O in the feed. Based on characterization results, there were two main factors: (a) the surface area and pore volume were decreased with UV-O3 treatment, leading to the enhancement of Pd-Ce particle size, and the decrease of Pd-Ce nanoparticle dispersion and mass transfer efficiency, as well as the decrease of catalytic activity of Pd-Ce/PCSs, (b) the surface oxygen content and defect sites of PCSs were raised by UV-O3 treatment, which could improve surface loading of Pd, Ce and enhance Pdsbnd Osbnd Ce bonding interactions, thereby increasing the activity of Pd-Ce/PCSs.

  2. Improved reaction kinetics and selectivity by the TiO2-embedded carbon nanofiber support for electro-oxidation of ethanol on PtRu nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakagawa, Nobuyoshi; Ito, Yudai; Tsujiguchi, Takuya; Ishitobi, Hirokazu

    2014-02-01

    The electro-oxidation of ethanol by the catalyst of PtRu nanoparticles supported on a TiO2-embedded carbon nanofiber (PtRu/TECNF), which has recently been proposed by the authors as a highly active catalyst for methanol oxidation, is investigated by cyclic voltammetry using a glassy carbon electrode and by operating a direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) with the catalyst. The mass activity obtained from the cyclic voltammogram for the ethanol oxidation is compared to that for the methanol oxidation reported in our recent paper. The mass activity for the ethanol oxidation is comparable or slightly higher than that for the methanol oxidation, and the relationship between the TECNF composition, i.e., the Ti/C mass ratio, and the activity are also similar to that for the methanol oxidation. A DEFC fabricated with the PtRu/TECNF shows a higher power output compared to that with the commercial PtRu/C catalyst. An analysis of the reaction products by a simple two-step reaction model reveals that the PtRu/TECNF increases the rate constant for the reaction steps from ethanol to acetaldehyde and subsequently to CO2, but decreases that from acetaldehyde to acetic acid. This means that the PtRu/TECNF improves not only the kinetics, but also the selectivity to acetaldehyde.

  3. Magnetic nanoparticles conjugated to chiral imidazolidinone as recoverable catalyst

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mondini, Sara; Puglisi, Alessandra; Benaglia, Maurizio; Ramella, Daniela; Drago, Carmelo; Ferretti, Anna M.; Ponti, Alessandro

    2013-11-01

    The immobilization of an ad hoc designed chiral imidazolidin-4-one onto iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is described, to afford MNP-supported MacMillan's catalyst. Morphological and structural analysis of the materials, during preparation, use, and recycle, has been carried out by transmission electron microscopy. The supported catalyst was tested in the Diels-Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene with cinnamic aldehyde, affording the products in good yields and enantiomeric excesses up to 93 %, comparable to those observed with the non-supported catalyst. Recovery of the chiral catalyst has been successfully performed by simply applying an external magnet to achieve a perfect separation of the MNPs from the reaction product. The recycle of the catalytic system has been also investigated. Noteworthy, this immobilized MacMillan's catalyst proved to be able to efficiently promote the reaction in pure water.

  4. Dispersion measurement by the single introduction method coupled with the back-sorption procedure: A chemisorption and TPD study of the different chemisorbed hydrogen species

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ragaini, V.; Giannantonio, R.; Magni, P.

    1994-03-01

    The Single Introduction (S.I.) method for the measurement by hydrogen chemisorption of metal dispersion in supported metal catalysts has been tested on two commercial 5% Pd/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] catalysts. The S.I. results are compared with those obtained by the classical method of determining the adsorption isotherm (i.e., the multiple introduction method) and by O[sub 2]/H[sub 2] titration. As in Part I of this work, both chemisorption and thermal desorption have been used to find the best experimental conditions for the [open quotes]Back-Sorption[close quotes] procedure. It is shown that [alpha]- and [beta]-palladium hydrides can be decomposed by outgassing the samples formore » less than 5 min at 305 K and 10[sup [minus]6] Torr and that 30 min pumping at the same temperature and pressure is sufficient to eliminate from the catalyst surface the weakly adsorbed hydrogen as well. It has also been verified that chemisorption of hydrogen on these catalysts at room temperature is complete at pressures lower than those required for the [alpha] [yields] [beta] phase transition, so that it is possible to perform dispersion measurements by means of a simple S.I. of hydrogen coupled with Back-Sorption below 15 Torr at 305 K. Temperature-programmed desorption of hydrogen on one of the samples outlines the need to discriminate among the different adsorbed species for a more detailed characterization of supported metal catalysts. 44 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.« less

  5. Systematic Identification of Promoters for Methane Oxidation Catalysts Using Size- and Composition-Controlled Pd-Based Bimetallic Nanocrystals.

    PubMed

    Willis, Joshua J; Goodman, Emmett D; Wu, Liheng; Riscoe, Andrew R; Martins, Pedro; Tassone, Christopher J; Cargnello, Matteo

    2017-08-30

    Promoters enhance the performance of catalytic active phases by increasing rates, stability, and/or selectivity. The process of identifying promoters is in most cases empirical and relies on testing a broad range of catalysts prepared with the random deposition of active and promoter phases, typically with no fine control over their localization. This issue is particularly relevant in supported bimetallic systems, where two metals are codeposited onto high-surface area materials. We here report the use of colloidal bimetallic nanocrystals to produce catalysts where the active and promoter phases are colocalized to a fine extent. This strategy enables a systematic approach to study the promotional effects of several transition metals on palladium catalysts for methane oxidation. In order to achieve these goals, we demonstrate a single synthetic protocol to obtain uniform palladium-based bimetallic nanocrystals (PdM, M = V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Sn, and potentially extendable to other metal combinations) with a wide variety of compositions and sizes based on high-temperature thermal decomposition of readily available precursors. Once the nanocrystals are supported onto oxide materials, thermal treatments in air cause segregation of the base metal oxide phase in close proximity to the Pd phase. We demonstrate that some metals (Fe, Co, and Sn) inhibit the sintering of the active Pd metal phase, while others (Ni and Zn) increase its intrinsic activity compared to a monometallic Pd catalyst. This procedure can be generalized to systematically investigate the promotional effects of metal and metal oxide phases for a variety of active metal-promoter combinations and catalytic reactions.

  6. Investigating Catalyst–Support Interactions To Improve the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity of Thiomolybdate [Mo 3 S 13 ] 2– Nanoclusters

    DOE PAGES

    Hellstern, Thomas R.; Kibsgaard, Jakob; Tsai, Charlie; ...

    2017-09-22

    Molybdenum sulfides have been identified as promising materials for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acid, with active edge sites that exhibit some of the highest turnover frequencies among nonpreciousmetal catalysts. The thiomolybdate [Mo 3S 13] 2- nanocluster catalyst contains a structural motif that resembles the active site of MoS 2 and has been reported to be among the most active forms of molybdenum sulfide. Herein, we improve the activity of the [Mo 3S 13] 2- catalysts through catalyst-support interactions. We synthesize [Mo 3S 13] 2- on gold, silver, glassy carbon, and copper supports to demonstrate the ability tomore » tune the hydrogen binding energy of [Mo 3S 13] 2- using catalyst-support electronic interactions and optimize HER activity.« less

  7. Investigating Catalyst–Support Interactions To Improve the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity of Thiomolybdate [Mo 3 S 13 ] 2– Nanoclusters

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hellstern, Thomas R.; Kibsgaard, Jakob; Tsai, Charlie

    Molybdenum sulfides have been identified as promising materials for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acid, with active edge sites that exhibit some of the highest turnover frequencies among nonpreciousmetal catalysts. The thiomolybdate [Mo 3S 13] 2- nanocluster catalyst contains a structural motif that resembles the active site of MoS 2 and has been reported to be among the most active forms of molybdenum sulfide. Herein, we improve the activity of the [Mo 3S 13] 2- catalysts through catalyst-support interactions. We synthesize [Mo 3S 13] 2- on gold, silver, glassy carbon, and copper supports to demonstrate the ability tomore » tune the hydrogen binding energy of [Mo 3S 13] 2- using catalyst-support electronic interactions and optimize HER activity.« less

  8. Water-gas shift reaction on alumina-supported Pt-CeO x catalysts prepared by supercritical fluid deposition

    DOE PAGES

    Deal, Jacob W.; Le, Phong; Corey, C. Blake; ...

    2016-08-25

    Alumina-supported platinum catalysts, both with and without ceria, were prepared by supercritical fluid deposition and evaluated for activity for water-gas shift reaction. The organometallic precursor, platinum(II) acetylacetonate, was deposited from solution in supercritical carbon dioxide. Analysis of the catalysts by high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy indicated that platinum was present in the form of highly dispersed metal nanoparticles. Pretreatment of the alumina-supported ceria in hydrogen prior to the deposition of the platinum precursor resulted in more platinum nucleated on ceria than non-pretreated alumina-supported ceria but varied in both particle size and structure. The ceria-containing catalyst that was not pretreatedmore » exhibited a more uniform particle size, and the Pt particles were encapsulated in crystalline ceria. Reaction rate measurements showed that the catalyst was more active for water-gas shift, with reaction rates per mass of platinum that exceeded most literature values for water-gas shift reaction on Pt-CeO x catalysts. The high activity was attributed to the significant fraction of platinum/ceria interfacial contact. We found that these results show the promise of supercritical fluid deposition as a scalable means of synthesizing highly active supported metal catalysts that offer efficient utilization of precious metals.« less

  9. Catalyst supports for polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Subban, Chinmayee; Zhou, Qin; Leonard, Brian; Ranjan, Chinmoy; Edvenson, Heather M; Disalvo, F J; Munie, Semeret; Hunting, Janet

    2010-07-28

    A major challenge in obtaining long-term durability in fuel cells is to discover catalyst supports that do not corrode, or corrode much more slowly than the current carbon blacks used in today's polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Such materials must be sufficiently stable at low pH (acidic conditions) and high potential, in contact with the polymer membrane and under exposure to hydrogen gas and oxygen at temperatures up to perhaps 120 degrees C. Here, we report the initial discovery of a promising class of doped oxide materials for this purpose: Ti(1-x)M(x)O(2), where M=a variety of transition metals. Specifically, we show that Ti(0.7)W(0.3)O(2) is electrochemically inert over the appropriate potential range. Although the process is not yet optimized, when Pt nanoparticles are deposited on this oxide, electrochemical experiments show that hydrogen is oxidized and oxygen reduced at rates comparable to those seen using a commercial Pt on carbon black support.

  10. Carbon dioxide conversion over carbon-based nanocatalysts.

    PubMed

    Khavarian, Mehrnoush; Chai, Siang-Piao; Mohamed, Abdul Rahman

    2013-07-01

    The utilization of carbon dioxide for the production of valuable chemicals via catalysts is one of the efficient ways to mitigate the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It is known that the carbon dioxide conversion and product yields are still low even if the reaction is operated at high pressure and temperature. The carbon dioxide utilization and conversion provides many challenges in exploring new concepts and opportunities for development of unique catalysts for the purpose of activating the carbon dioxide molecules. In this paper, the role of carbon-based nanocatalysts in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from carbon dioxide and methanol are reviewed. The current catalytic results obtained with different carbon-based nanocatalysts systems are presented and how these materials contribute to the carbon dioxide conversion is explained. In addition, different strategies and preparation methods of nanometallic catalysts on various carbon supports are described to optimize the dispersion of metal nanoparticles and catalytic activity.

  11. Understanding catalyst behavior during in situ heating through simultaneous secondary and transmitted electron imaging.

    PubMed

    Howe, Jane Y; Allard, Lawrence F; Bigelow, Wilbur C; Demers, Hendrix; Overbury, Steven H

    2014-01-01

    By coupling techniques of simultaneous secondary (SE) and transmitted electron (TE) imaging at high resolution in a modern scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), with the ability to heat specimens using a highly stable MEMS-based heating platform, we obtained synergistic information to clarify the behavior of catalysts during in situ thermal treatments. Au/iron oxide catalyst 'leached' to remove surface Au was heated to temperatures as high as 700°C. The Fe2O3 support particle structure tended to reduce to Fe3O4 and formed surface terraces; the formation, coalescence, and mobility of 1- to 2-nm particles on the terraces were characterized in SE, STEM-ADF, and TEM-BF modes. If combined with simultaneous nanoprobe spectroscopy, this approach will open the door to a new way of studying the kinetics of nano-scaled phenomena.

  12. Understanding catalyst behavior during in situ heating through simultaneous secondary and transmitted electron imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Howe, Jane Y.; Allard, Lawrence F.; Bigelow, Wilbur C.; Demers, Hendrix; Overbury, Steven H.

    2014-11-01

    By coupling techniques of simultaneous secondary (SE) and transmitted electron (TE) imaging at high resolution in a modern scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), with the ability to heat specimens using a highly stable MEMS-based heating platform, we obtained synergistic information to clarify the behavior of catalysts during in situ thermal treatments. Au/iron oxide catalyst 'leached' to remove surface Au was heated to temperatures as high as 700°C. The Fe2O3 support particle structure tended to reduce to Fe3O4 and formed surface terraces; the formation, coalescence, and mobility of 1- to 2-nm particles on the terraces were characterized in SE, STEM-ADF, and TEM-BF modes. If combined with simultaneous nanoprobe spectroscopy, this approach will open the door to a new way of studying the kinetics of nano-scaled phenomena.

  13. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hoffman, A. S.; Debefve, L. M.; Gates, B. C., E-mail: bcgates@ucdavis.edu

    X-ray absorption spectroscopy is an element-specific technique for probing the local atomic-scale environment around an absorber atom. It is widely used to investigate the structures of liquids and solids, being especially valuable for characterization of solid-supported catalysts. Reported cell designs are limited in capabilities—to fluorescence or transmission and to static or flowing atmospheres, or to vacuum. Our goal was to design a robust and widely applicable cell for catalyst characterizations under all these conditions—to allow tracking of changes during genesis and during operation, both under vacuum and in reactive atmospheres. Herein, we report the design of such a cell andmore » a demonstration of its operation both with a sample under dynamic vacuum and in the presence of gases flowing at temperatures up to 300 °C, showing data obtained with both fluorescence and transmission detection. The cell allows more flexibility in catalyst characterization than any reported.« less

  14. A homogeneous, recyclable polymer support for Rh(I)-catalyzed C-C bond formation.

    PubMed

    Jana, Ranjan; Tunge, Jon A

    2011-10-21

    A robust and practical polymer-supported, homogeneous, recyclable biphephos rhodium(I) catalyst has been developed for C-C bond formation reactions. Control of polymer molecular weight allowed tuning of the polymer solubility such that the polymer-supported catalyst is soluble in nonpolar solvents and insoluble in polar solvents. Using the supported rhodium catalysts, addition of aryl and vinylboronic acids to the electrophiles such as enones, aldehydes, N-sulfonyl aldimines, and alkynes occurs smoothly to provide products in high yields. Additions of terminal alkynes to enones and industrially relevant hydroformylation reactions have also been successfully carried out. Studies show that the leaching of Rh from the polymer support is low and catalyst recycle can be achieved by simple precipitation and filtration.

  15. A Homogeneous, Recyclable Polymer Support for Rh(I)-Catalyzed C-C Bond Formation

    PubMed Central

    Jana, Ranjan; Tunge, Jon A.

    2011-01-01

    A robust and practical polymer-supported, homogeneous, recyclable biphephos rhodium(I) catalyst has been developed for C-C bond formation reactions. Control of polymer molecular weight allowed tuning of the polymer solubility such that the polymer-supported catalyst is soluble in nonpolar solvents and insoluble in polar solvents. Using the supported rhodium catalysts, addition of aryl and vinylboronic acids to the electrophiles such as enones, aldehydes, N-sulfonyl aldimines, and alkynes occurs smoothly to provide products in high yields. Additions of terminal alkynes to enones and industrially relevant hydroformylation reactions have also been successfully carried out. Studies show that the leaching of Rh from the polymer support is low and catalyst recycle can be achieved by simple precipitation and filtration. PMID:21895010

  16. Nanoparticle-supported and magnetically recoverable ruthenium hydroxide catalyst: efficient hydration of nitriles to amides in aqueous medium.

    PubMed

    Polshettiwar, Vivek; Varma, Rajender S

    2009-01-01

    Magnetic attraction not filtration: A magnetic nanoparticle-supported ruthenium hydroxide catalyst (see figure) was readily prepared from inexpensive starting materials and shown to catalyze the hydration of nitriles with excellent yield in a benign aqueous medium. Catalyst recovery using an external magnetic field, superior activity, and the inherent stability of the catalyst system are additional sustainable attributes of this protocol.

  17. Ruthenium on rutile catalyst, catalytic system, and method for aqueous phase hydrogenations

    DOEpatents

    Elliot, Douglas C.; Werpy, Todd A.; Wang, Yong; Frye, Jr., John G.

    2001-01-01

    An essentially nickel- and rhenium-free catalyst is described comprising ruthenium on a titania support where the titania is greater than 75% rutile. A catalytic system containing a nickel-free catalyst comprising ruthenium on a titania support where the titania is greater than 75% rutile, and a method using this catalyst in the hydrogenation of an organic compound in the aqueous phase is also described.

  18. Electrocatalytic properties of graphite nanofibers-supported platinum catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Park, Soo-Jin; Park, Jeong-Min; Seo, Min-Kang

    2009-09-01

    Graphite nanofibers (GNFs) treated at various temperatures were used as carbon supports to improve the efficiency of PtRu catalysts. The electrochemical properties of the PtRu/GNFs catalysts were then investigated to evaluate their potential for application in DMFCs. The results indicated that the particle size and dispersibility of PtRu in the catalysts were changed by heat treatment, and the electrochemical activity of the catalysts was improved. Consequently, it was found that heat treatments could have an influence on the surface and structural properties of GNFs, resulting in enhancing an electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts for DMFCs.

  19. Partial Oxidation of Hydrocarbons in a Segmented Bed Using Oxide-based Catalysts and Oxygen-conducting Supports

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smith, Mark W.

    Two objectives for the catalytic reforming of hydrocarbons to produce synthesis gas are investigated herein: (1) the effect of oxygen-conducting supports with partially substituted mixed-metal oxide catalysts, and (2) a segmented bed approach using different catalyst configurations. Excess carbon deposition was the primary cause of catalyst deactivation, and was the focus of the experiments for both objectives. The formation and characterization of deposited carbon was examined after reaction for one of the selected catalysts to determine the quantity and location of the carbon on the catalyst surface leading to deactivation. A nickel-substituted barium hexaaluminate (BNHA), with the formula BaAl 11.6Ni0.4O18.8, and a Rh-substituted lanthanum zirconate pyrochlore (LCZR) with the formula La1.89Ca0.11 Zr1.89Rh0.11, were combined with two different doped ceria supports. These supports were gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) and zirconium-doped ceria (ZDC). The active catalyst phases were combined with the supports in different ratios using different synthesis techniques. The catalysts were characterized using several different techniques and were tested under partial oxidation (POX) of n-tetradecane (TD), a diesel fuel surrogate. It was found that the presence of GDC and ZDC reduced the formation of carbon for both catalysts; the optimal ratio of catalyst to support was different for the hexaaluminate and the pyrochlore; a loading of 20 wt% of the pyrochlore with ZDC produced the most stable performance in the presence of common fuel contaminants (>50 h); and, the incipient wetness impregnation synthesis method of applying the active catalyst to the support produced more stable product yields than the catalyst prepared by a solid-state mixing technique. Different hexaaluminate and pyrochlore catalysts were used in different configurations in a segmented bed approach. The first strategy was to promote the indirect reforming mechanism by placing a combustion catalyst in the reactor inlet, followed by a reforming catalyst. This approach demonstrated that BNHA can be used in the reactor inlet to promote combustion with 1 wt% Rh-substituted pyrochlore in the reactor outlet, but the combustion catalyst should fill less than 50% of the reactor. The second approach placed specific catalysts in regions of the reactor that have conditions in which they are less likely to deactivate. This showed the most benefit in the use of a sulfur-tolerant noble metal catalyst in the reactor outlet. The carbon formation study was conducted on a 2 wt% Rh-substituted pyrochlore. POX of TD for various run times, followed by temperature programmed oxidation, revealed two different types of carbon deposits in the catalyst bed: carbon that burned off at relatively low temperature (LTC), and carbon that burned off at higher temperatures (HTC). The LTC reached a steady state level within two hours of reaction, and was determined not to lead to catalyst deactivation. The HTC continued to accumulate with time on stream. A mathematical expression was developed to predict the rate of formation of the HTC for a given set of reaction conditions (O/C = 1.25). This expression was modified from data from a test under different reaction conditions (O/C = 1.1) for one length of time, and was found to predict the carbon formation for a different run time within 3%.

  20. An Investigation of Methyl Viologen Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide: Chitosan as a Support for Pt Nanoparticles Towards Ethanol Electrooxidation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ekrami-Kakhki, Mehri-Saddat; Farzaneh, Nahid; Abbasi, Sedigheh; Beitollahi, Hadi; Ekrami-Kakhki, Seyed Ali

    2018-05-01

    In this research, graphene oxide was prepared by a modified Hummers' method, and then functionalized with 1, 1'-dimethyl-4, 4'-bipyridinium dichloride (MV), and chitosan (CH) to get a MV-RGO-CH support. Pt nanoparticles were prepared on this support to get Pt/MV-RGO-CH catalyst. The morphology and microstructure of Pt/MV-RGO-CH catalyst were characterized with transmission electron microscopy image and X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrocatalytic activity of the prepared catalyst towards ethanol oxidation was investigated by carbon monoxide stripping voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The effects of some experimental parameters such as scan rate, ethanol concentration, and temperature were investigated for ethanol electrooxidation at Pt/MV-RGO-CH catalyst. Durability of the catalyst was also investigated. The electrocatalytic performance of Pt/MV-RGO-CH catalyst for ethanol oxidation was compared with those of Pt/CH and Pt/MV-RGO catalysts. The higher electrocatalytic performance of Pt/MV-RGO-CH than Pt/CH and Pt/MV-RGO catalysts towards ethanol electrooxidation indicated that Pt/MV-RGO-CH could be a promising catalyst for application in direct ethanol fuel cells.

  1. Nanoparticle-supported and magnetically recoverable palladium (Pd) catalyst: a selective and sustainable oxidation protocol with high turnover number

    EPA Science Inventory

    A magnetic nanoparticle-supported ruthenium hydroxide catalyst was readily prepared from inexpensive starting materials and shown to catalyze hydration of nitriles with excellent yield in benign aqueous medium. Catalyst recovery using an external magnetic field, superior activity...

  2. Magnetic silica supported palladium catalyst: synthesis of allyl aryl ethers in water

    EPA Science Inventory

    A simple and benign procedure for the synthesis of aryl allyl ethers has been developed using phenols, allyl acetates and magnetically recyclable silica supported palladium catalyst in water; performance of reaction in air and easy separation of the catalyst using an external mag...

  3. Recent Advances in Solid Catalysts Obtained by Metalloporphyrins Immobilization on Layered Anionic Exchangers: A Short Review and Some New Catalytic Results.

    PubMed

    Nakagaki, Shirley; Mantovani, Karen Mary; Machado, Guilherme Sippel; Castro, Kelly Aparecida Dias de Freitas; Wypych, Fernando

    2016-02-29

    Layered materials are a very interesting class of compounds obtained by stacking of two-dimensional layers along the basal axis. A remarkable property of these materials is their capacity to interact with a variety of chemical species, irrespective of their charge (neutral, cationic or anionic). These species can be grafted onto the surface of the layered materials or intercalated between the layers, to expand or contract the interlayer distance. Metalloporphyrins, which are typically soluble oxidation catalysts, are examples of molecules that can interact with layered materials. This work presents a short review of the studies involving metalloporphyrin immobilization on two different anionic exchangers, Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) and Layered Hydroxide Salts (LHSs), published over the past year. After immobilization of anionic porphyrins, the resulting solids behave as reusable catalysts for heterogeneous oxidation processes. Although a large number of publications involving metalloporphyrin immobilization on LDHs exist, only a few papers have dealt with LHSs as supports, so metalloporphyrins immobilized on LHSs represent a new and promising research field. This work also describes new results on an anionic manganese porphyrin (MnP) immobilized on Mg/Al-LDH solids with different nominal Mg/Al molar ratios (2:1, 3:1 and 4:1) and intercalated with different anions (CO₃(2-) or NO₃(-)). The influence of the support composition on the MnP immobilization rates and the catalytic performance of the resulting solid in cyclooctene oxidation reactions will be reported.

  4. Hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst and method of preparation

    DOEpatents

    Sapienza, R.S.; Sansone, M.J.; Slegeir, W.A.R.

    1983-08-02

    A catalyst for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide and hydrogen composed of palladium or platinum and cobalt supported on a solid phase is disclosed. The catalyst is prepared by heating a heterogeneous component of the palladium or platinum deposited on the solid support in a solution of cobalt carbonyl or precursors thereof. The catalyst exhibits excellent activity, stability in air, and produces highly desirable product fractions even with dilute gaseous reactants. The catalyst is preferably used in dilute slurry form, which is desirable from a heat transfer standpoint. 9 figs.

  5. Hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst and method of preparation

    DOEpatents

    Sapienza, Richard S.; Sansone, Michael J.; Slegeir, William A. R.

    1983-08-02

    A catalyst for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide and hydrogen composed of palladium or platinum and cobalt supported on a solid phase is disclosed. The catalyst is prepared by heating a heterogeneous component of the palladium or platinum deposited on the solid support in a solution of cobalt carbonyl or precursors thereof. The catalyst exhibits excellent activity, stability in air, and produces highly desirable product fractions even with dilute gaseous reactants. The catalyst is preferably used in dilute slurry form, which is desirable from a heat transfer standpoint.

  6. Catalytic oxidative desulfurization of liquid hydrocarbon fuels using air

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sundararaman, Ramanathan

    Conventional approaches to oxidative desulfurization of liquid hydrocarbons involve use of high-purity, expensive water soluble peroxide for oxidation of sulfur compounds followed by post-treatment for removal of oxidized sulfones by extraction. Both are associated with higher cost due to handling, storage of oxidants and yield loss with extraction and water separation, making the whole process more expensive. This thesis explores an oxidative desulfurization process using air as an oxidant followed by catalytic decomposition of sulfones thereby eliminating the aforementioned issues. Oxidation of sulfur compounds was realized by a two step process in which peroxides were first generated in-situ by catalytic air oxidation, followed by catalytic oxidation of S compounds using the peroxides generated in-situ completing the two step approach. By this technique it was feasible to oxidize over 90% of sulfur compounds present in real jet (520 ppmw S) and diesel (41 ppmw S) fuels. Screening of bulk and supported CuO based catalysts for peroxide generation using model aromatic compound representing diesel fuel showed that bulk CuO catalyst was more effective in producing peroxides with high yield and selectivity. Testing of three real diesel fuels obtained from different sources for air oxidation over bulk CuO catalyst showed different level of effectiveness for generating peroxides in-situ which was consistent with air oxidation of representative model aromatic compounds. Peroxides generated in-situ was then used as an oxidant to oxidize sulfur compounds present in the fuel over MoO3/SiO2 catalyst. 81% selectivity of peroxides for oxidation of sulfur compounds was observed on MoO3/SiO2 catalyst at 40 °C and under similar conditions MoO3/Al2O3 gave only 41% selectivity. This difference in selectivity might be related to the difference in the nature of active sites of MoO3 on SiO2 and Al2O 3 supports as suggested by H2-TPR and XRD analyses. Testing of supported and bulk MgO catalysts for decomposition of sulfones showed that these catalysts are effective in decomposing oxidized sulfur compounds such as dibenzothiophene sulfone and 3-methyl benzothiophene sulfone to biphenyl and isopropyl benzene respectively and SO2. Study of catalyst structure-activity relationship revealed that in the range of 40--140 nm of MgO, crystallite size plays a critical role on activity of the catalyst for sulfone decomposition. In testing other alkali oxides, it was demonstrated that CaO was effective as a reagent in decomposing oxidized sulfur compounds in a crude oil at a much lower temperature than used for MgO based catalyst. Preliminary data on potential regeneration scheme of spent CaO is also discussed.

  7. Textured catalysts, methods of making textured catalysts, and methods of catalyzing reactions conducted in hydrothermal conditions

    DOEpatents

    Werpy, Todd [West Richland, WA; Wang, Yong [Richland, WA

    2003-12-30

    A textured catalyst having a hydrothermally-stable support, a metal oxide and a catalyst component is described. Methods of conducting aqueous phase reactions that are catalyzed by a textured catalyst are also described. The invention also provides methods of making textured catalysts and methods of making chemical products using a textured catalyst.

  8. Preparation of Ru-doped SnO2-supported Pt catalysts and their electrocatalytic properties for methanol oxidation.

    PubMed

    Pang, H L; Zhang, X H; Zhong, X X; Liu, B; Wei, X G; Kuang, Y F; Chen, J H

    2008-03-01

    Ru-doped SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared by chemical precipitation and calcinations at 823 K. Due to high stability in diluted acidic solution, Ru-doped SnO2 nanoparticles were selected as the catalyst support and second catalyst for methanol electrooxidation. The micrograph, elemental composition, and structure of the Ru-doped SnO2 nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The electrocatalytic properties of the Ru-doped SnO2-supported Pt catalyst (Pt/Ru-doped SnO2) for methanol oxidation have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Under the same loading mass of Pt, the Pt/Ru-doped SnO2 catalyst shows better electrocatalytic performance than the Pt/SnO2 catalyst and the best atomic ratio of Ru to Sn in Ru-doped SnO2 is 1/75. Additionally, the Pt/Ru-doped SnO2 catalyst possesses good long-term cycle stability.

  9. Toward the Design of a Hierarchical Perovskite Support: Ultra-Sintering-Resistant Gold Nanocatalysts for CO Oxidation

    DOE PAGES

    Tian, Chengcheng; Zhu, Xiang; Abney, Carter W.; ...

    2017-04-12

    An ultrastable Au nanocatalyst based on a heterostructured perovskite support with high surface area and uniform LaFeO3 nanocoatings was successfully synthesized and tested for CO oxidation. Strikingly, small Au nanoparticles (4-6 nm) are obtained after calcination in air at 700 °C and under reaction conditions. The designed Au catalyst not only possessed extreme sintering resistance but also showed high catalytic activity and stability because of the strong interfacial interaction between Au and the heterostructured perovskite support.

  10. Metal-Ion Distribution and Oxygen Vacancies That Determine the Activity of Magnetically Recoverable Catalysts in Methanol Synthesis.

    PubMed

    Oracko, Troy; Jaquish, Rigel; Losovyj, Yaroslav B; Morgan, David Gene; Pink, Maren; Stein, Barry D; Doluda, Valentin Yu; Tkachenko, Olga P; Shifrina, Zinaida B; Grigoriev, Maxim E; Sidorov, Alexander I; Sulman, Esther M; Bronstein, Lyudmila M

    2017-10-04

    Here, we report on the development of novel Zn-, Zn-Cr-, and Zn-Cu-containing catalysts using magnetic silica (Fe 3 O 4 -SiO 2 ) as the support. Transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that the iron oxide nanoparticles are located in mesoporous silica pores and the magnetite (spinel) structure remains virtually unchanged despite the incorporation of Zn and Cr. According to XPS data, the Zn and Cr species are intermixed within the magnetite structure. In the case of the Zn-Cu-containing catalysts, a separate Cu 2 O phase was also observed along with the spinel structure. The catalytic activity of these catalysts was tested in methanol synthesis from syngas (CO + H 2 ). The catalytic experiments showed an improved catalytic performance of Zn- and Zn-Cr-containing magnetic silicas compared to that of the ZnO-SiO 2 catalyst. The best catalytic activity was obtained for the Zn-Cr-containing magnetic catalyst prepared with 1 wt % Zn and Cr each. X-ray absorption spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of oxygen vacancies near Fe and Zn in Zn-containing, and even more in Zn-Cr-containing, magnetic silica (including oxygen vacancies near Cr ions), revealing a correlation between the catalytic properties and oxygen vacancies. The easy magnetic recovery, robust synthetic procedure, and high catalytic activity make these catalysts promising for practical applications.

  11. Catalytic dehydrogenation of isobutane in the presence of hydrogen over Cs-modified Ni2P supported on active carbon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Yanli; Sang, Huanxin; Wang, Kang; Wang, Xitao

    2014-10-01

    In this article, an environmentally friendly non-noble-metal class of Cs-Ni2P/active carbon (AC) catalyst was prepared and demonstrated to exhibit enhanced catalytic performance in isobutane dehydrogenation. The results of activity tests reveal that Ni/AC catalyst was highly active for isobutane cracking, which led to the formation of abundant methane and coke. After the introduction of phosphorus through impregnation with ammonium di-hydrogen phosphate and H2-temperature programmed reduction, undesired cracking reactions were effectively inhibited, and the selectivity to isobutene and stability of catalyst increased remarkably. The characterization results indicate that, after the addition of phosphorous, the improvement of dehydrogenation selectivity is ascribed to the partial positive charges carried on Ni surface in Ni2P particles, which decreases the strength of Nisbnd C bond between Ni and carbonium-ion intermediates and the possibility of excessive dehydrogenation. In addition, Cs-modified Ni2P/AC catalysts display much higher catalytic performance as compared to Ni2P/AC catalyst. Cs-Ni2P-6.5 catalyst has the highest catalytic performance, and the selectivity to isobutene higher than 93% can be obtained even after 4 h reaction. The enhancement in catalytic performance of the Cs-modified catalysts is mainly attributed to the function of Cs to improve the dispersion of Ni2P particles, transfer electron from Cs to Ni, and decrease acid site number and strength.

  12. Steam Reforming of Acetic Acid over Co-Supported Catalysts: Coupling Ketonization for Greater Stability

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Davidson, Stephen D.; Spies, Kurt A.; Mei, Donghai

    We report on the markedly improved stability of a novel 2-bed catalytic system, as compared to a conventional 1-bed steam reforming catalyst, for the production of H2 from acetic acid. The 2-bed catalytic system comprises of i) a basic oxide ketonization catalyst for the conversion of acetic acid to acetone, and a ii) Co-based steam reforming catalyst, both catalytic beds placed in sequence within the same unit operation. Steam reforming catalysts are particularly prone to catalytic deactivation when steam reforming acetic acid, used here as a model compound for the aqueous fraction of bio-oil. Catalysts comprising MgAl2O4, ZnO, CeO2, andmore » activated carbon (AC) both with and without Co-addition were evaluated for conversion of acetic acid and acetone, its ketonization product, in the presence of steam. It was found that over the bare oxide support only ketonization activity was observed and coke deposition was minimal. With addition of Co to the oxide support steam reforming activity was facilitated and coke deposition was significantly increased. Acetone steam reforming over the same Co-supported catalysts demonstrated more stable performance and with less coke deposition than with acetic acid feedstock. DFT analysis suggests that over Co surface CHxCOO species are more favorably formed from acetic acid versus acetone. These CHxCOO species are strongly bound to the Co catalyst surface and could explain the higher propensity for coke formation from acetic acid. Based on these findings, in order to enhance stability of the steam reforming catalyst a dual-bed (2-bed) catalyst system was implemented. Comparing the 2-bed and 1-bed (Co-supported catalyst only) systems under otherwise identical reaction conditions the 2-bed demonstrated significantly improved stability and coke deposition was decreased by a factor of 4.« less

  13. The use of functionalized zirconocenes as precursors to silica-supported zirconocene olefin polymerization catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Xu

    2001-07-01

    Me3Si substituents adjacent to Cp2MCl2 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) are converted to BrMe2Si groups using BBr 3. The high reactivity of the Si-Br bonds toward nucleophiles such as water suggested that these substituents could react with hydroxylated silica surfaces, immobilizing the metallocenes. This dissertation concerns the syntheses of electrophile-functionalized zirconocene dihalide complexes and their use as precursors to silica-supported metallocene olefin polymerization catalysts. First we extended the metallocene "functionalization" chemistry to obtain substituents bearing more than one electrophilic bond. (Me3Sn) 2C5H4 combined with CpZrCl3 in toluene to afford (eta5-Me3Sn-C5H4)CpZrCl 2 (A). Reactions of A with electrophiles (E-X = Cl2B-Cl, I-Cl, and I-I) afforded (eta5-XMe 2Sn-C5H4)CpZrCl2 (and E-Me) cleanly. The reaction of A with BBr3 afforded either (eta5-BrMe2Sn-C5H4)CpZrBr2 (25 °C, 10 min) or (eta5-Br2MeSn-C5H 4)CpZrBr2 (25 °C, 15 h). Ph2MeSi-C5H 4Li combined with ZrCl4•2THF to afford (eta 5-Ph2MeSi-C5H4)2ZrCl 2 (B). The reaction of B with BCl3 led to incomplete cleavage of the Ph-Si bonds, however treatment of B with BBr3 afforded (eta5-Br2MeSi-C 5H4)2ZrBr2 (C) efficiently. X-ray crystal structures of (eta5-ClMe2Sn-C 5H4)CpZrCl2•1/2toluene, (eta 5-Br2MeSn-C5H4)CpZrBr2•THF, B, and C were obtained. Metallocene C reacts with water to afford an oligosiloxane-supported zirconocene dibromide. Spectroscopic characterization suggested a stereoregular structure in which the metallocene units have meso symmetry. The oligomeric substance showed high activity for homogeneous ethylene polymerization. Supported metallocene olefin polymerization catalysts were prepared by combining a functionalized metallocene precursor (Cp2ZrBr 2 bearing either BrMe2Si or Br2MeSi groups) and partially dehydroxylated silica. The activities of the immobilized zirconocene catalysts decreased and the stabilities increased with increasing number of tethers. The immobilized catalyst prepared from (eta5-Br 2MeSi-C5H4)2ZrBr2, which is assumed to form two "double-tethers" to silica, was significantly more active than the catalyst prepared from [eta5-1,3-(BrMe 2Si)2C5H3]2ZrBr2, which is assumed to form four "single-tethers" to silica. Catalyst leaching was observed in all the immobilized zirconocene catalysts. Finally we report model studies on the stability of the Si-O-Si bonds toward methylaluminoxane (MAO). The reaction of (eta5-BrMe 2Si-C5H4)CpZrBr2 with tBuMe 2SiOH results in the formation of Si-O-Si bonds; addition of NEt 3 results in further reaction to afford Si-O-Zr bonds. The reaction of Me3Si-O-SiMe3 with MAO showed that Si-O-Si bonds can be cleaved under the conditions of our polymerization reactions.

  14. Three-dimensional multiscale analysis of degradation of nano- and micro-structure in direct methanol fuel cell electrodes after methanol starvation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Netzeband, Christian; Arlt, Tobias; Wippermann, Klaus; Lehnert, Werner; Manke, Ingo

    2016-09-01

    This study investigates the ageing effects on the microstructure of the anode catalyst layer of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) after complete methanol starvation. To this end the samples of two methanol-depleted membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) have been compared with a pristine reference sample. A three-dimensional characterization of the anode catalyst layer (ACL) structure on a nanometer scale has been conducted by focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscope (SEM) tomography. The FIB/SEM tomography allows for a detailed analysis of statistic parameters of micro-structured materials, such as porosity, tortuosity and pore size distributions. Furthermore, the SEM images displayed a high material contrast between the heavy catalyst metals (Pt/Ru) and the relatively light carbon support, which made it possible to map the catalyst distribution in the acquired FIB/SEM tomographies. Additional synchrotron X-ray tomographies have been conducted in order to obtain an overview of the structural changes of all the components of a section of the MEAs after methanol depletion.

  15. Dealloyed Pt3Co nanoparticles with higher geometric strain for superior hydrogen evolution reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saquib, Mohammad; Halder, Aditi

    2018-06-01

    In the present work, the effect of surface strain in the carbon supported Pt3Co dealloy catalyst towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has been reported. Dealloying process is adopted to generate the geometric strain in Pt3Co/C alloy by preferential dissolution of non-noble metal (Co) from the alloy. The developed geometric strain has been estimated by different microstructural characterization techniques. Electrochemical studies showed that the highest current density for HER was obtained for Pt3Co/C dealloy catalyst and it was nearly 2 and 5 times higher than Pt3Co/C alloy and Pt/C respectively. Tafel slope for HER was improved from 49 (Pt/C) to 34 mV dec-1 (Pt3Co/C dealloy), indicating that the surface strain plays important role in the improvement of the catalytic activity of Pt3Co catalyst. The chronoamperometry data, LSV curves and ECSA values before and after chronoamperometry confirmed that Pt3Co/C dealloy catalyst was a stable as well as a durable electrocatalyst for HER.

  16. Beneficial effects of rhodium and tin oxide on carbon supported platinum catalysts for ethanol electrooxidation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Soares, Layciane A.; Morais, Claudia; Napporn, Teko W.; Kokoh, K. Boniface; Olivi, Paulo

    2016-05-01

    This work investigates ethanol electrooxidation on Pt/C, PtxRhy/C, Pt-SnO2/C, and PtxRhy-SnO2/C catalysts synthesized by the Pechini and microwave-assisted polyol methods. The catalysts are characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The electrochemical properties of these electrode materials are examined by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry experiments in acid medium. The products obtained during ethanol electrolysis are identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The adsorbed intermediates are evaluated by an in situ reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy technique combined with cyclic voltammetry. Catalysts performance in a direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) is also assessed. The electrical performance of the electrocatalysts in a single DEFC at 80 °C decreases in the following order Pt70Rh30SnO2 > Pt80Rh20SnO2 > Pt60Rh40SnO2 ∼ PtSnO2 > PtxRhy ∼ Pt, showing that the presence of SnO2 enhances the ability of Pt to catalyze ethanol electrooxidation.

  17. Continuous preparation of carbon-nanotube-supported platinum catalysts in a flow reactor directly heated by electric current

    PubMed Central

    dos Santos, Antonio Rodolfo; Kunz, Ulrich; Turek, Thomas

    2011-01-01

    Summary In this contribution we present for the first time a continuous process for the production of highly active Pt catalysts supported by carbon nanotubes by use of an electrically heated tubular reactor. The synthesized catalysts show a high degree of dispersion and narrow distributions of cluster sizes. In comparison to catalysts synthesized by the conventional oil-bath method a significantly higher electrocatalytic activity was reached, which can be attributed to the higher metal loading and smaller and more uniformly distributed Pt particles on the carbon support. Our approach introduces a simple, time-saving and cost-efficient method for fuel cell catalyst preparation in a flow reactor which could be used at a large scale. PMID:22043252

  18. Highly Efficient Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde to Cinnamyl Alcohol over Gold Supported on Zinc Oxide Materials

    DOE PAGES

    Chen, Hangning; Cullen, David A.; Larese, J. Z.

    2015-11-30

    We used Au/ZnO catalysts for liquid-phase selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to cinnamyl alcohol and compared with Au/Fe 2O 3 catalysts. To investigate the influence of the support on the hydrogenation activity and selectivity, three different Au/ZnO catalysts were synthesized, including Au/rod-tetrapod ZnO, Au/porous ZnO, and Au/ZnO-CP prepared using a coprecipitation method. Moreover, the influence of calcination temperature was also systematically investigated in this study. The characterization of Au/ZnO catalysts was performed using ICP, N 2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Among all the supported Au catalysts prepared in this study, Au/ZnO-CP exhibits bothmore » the highest hydrogenation activity and selectivity. Using a 1.5% Au/ZnO-CP catalyst, 100% selectivity could be achieved with 94.9% conversion. Finally, we find that the Au particle (size and shape), the ZnO support (size and surface texture) and the interaction between Au and ZnO are three important parameters for achieving a highly efficient Au/ZnO catalyst.« less

  19. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mei, Donghai; Lebarbier, Vanessa M.; Rousseau, Roger

    In a combined experimental and first-principles density functional theory (DFT) study, benzene steam reforming (BSR) over MgAl 2O 4 supported Rh and Ir catalysts was investigated. Experimentally, it has been found that both highly dispersed Rh and Ir clusters (1-2 nm) on the MgAl 2O 4 spinel support are stable during the BSR in the temperature range of 700-850°C. Compared to the Ir/MgAl 2O 4 catalyst, the Rh/MgAl 2O 4 catalyst is more active with higher benzene turnover frequency and conversion. At typical steam conditions with the steam-to-carbon ratio > 12, the benzene conversion is only a weak function ofmore » the H 2O concentration in the feed. This suggests that the initial benzene decomposition step rather than the benzene adsorption is most likely the rate-determined step in BSR over supported Rh and Ir catalysts. In order to understand the differences between the two catalysts, we followed with a comparative DFT study of initial benzene decomposition pathways over two representative model systems for each supported metal (Rh and Ir) catalysts. A periodic terrace (111) surface and an amorphous 50-atom metal cluster with a diameter of 1.0 nm were used to represent the two supported model catalysts under low and high dispersion conditions. Our DFT results show that the decreasing catalyst particle size enhances the benzene decomposition on supported Rh catalysts by lowering both C-C and C-H bond scission. The activation barriers of the C-C and the C-H bond scission decrease from 1.60 and 1.61 eV on the Rh(111) surface to 1.34 and 1.26 eV on the Rh50 cluster. For supported Ir catalysts, the decreasing particle size only affects the C-C scission. The activation barrier of the C-C scission of benzene decreases from 1.60 eV on the Ir(111) surface to 1.35 eV on the Ir50 cluster while the barriers of the C-H scission are practically the same. The experimentally measured higher BSR activity on the supported highly dispersed Rh catalyst can be rationalized by the thermodynamic limitation for the very first C-C bond scission of benzene on the small Ir50 catalyst. The C-C bond scission of benzene on the small Ir50 catalyst is highly endothermic although the barrier is competitive with the barriers of both the C-C and the C-H bond-breakings on the small Rh50 catalyst. The calculations also imply that, for the supported Rh catalysts the C-C and C-H bond scissions are competitive, independently of the Rh cluster sizes. After the initial dissociation step via either the C-C or the C-H bond scission, the C-H bond breaking seems to be more favorable rather than the C-C bond breaking on the larger Rh terrace surface. This work was financially supported by the United States Department of Energy’s Office of Biomass Program’s. Computing time was granted by a user project at the Molecular Science Computing Facility in the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research and located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.« less

  20. Autothermal reforming catalyst having perovskite structure

    DOEpatents

    Krumpel, Michael [Naperville, IL; Liu, Di-Jia [Naperville, IL

    2009-03-24

    The invention addressed two critical issues in fuel processing for fuel cell application, i.e. catalyst cost and operating stability. The existing state-of-the-art fuel reforming catalyst uses Rh and platinum supported over refractory oxide which add significant cost to the fuel cell system. Supported metals agglomerate under elevated temperature during reforming and decrease the catalyst activity. The catalyst is a perovskite oxide or a Ruddlesden-Popper type oxide containing rare-earth elements, catalytically active firs row transition metal elements, and stabilizing elements, such that the catalyst is a single phase in high temperature oxidizing conditions and maintains a primarily perovskite or Ruddlesden-Popper structure under high temperature reducing conditions. The catalyst can also contain alkaline earth dopants, which enhance the catalytic activity of the catalyst, but do not compromise the stability of the perovskite structure.

  1. Metal catalysts for steam reforming of tar derived from the gasification of lignocellulosic biomass.

    PubMed

    Li, Dalin; Tamura, Masazumi; Nakagawa, Yoshinao; Tomishige, Keiichi

    2015-02-01

    Biomass gasification is one of the most important technologies for the conversion of biomass to electricity, fuels, and chemicals. The main obstacle preventing the commercial application of this technology is the presence of tar in the product gas. Catalytic reforming of tar appears a promising approach to remove tar and supported metal catalysts are among the most effective catalysts. Nevertheless, improvement of catalytic performances including activity, stability, resistance to coke deposition and aggregation of metal particles, as well as catalyst regenerability is greatly needed. This review focuses on the design and catalysis of supported metal catalysts for the removal of tar in the gasification of biomass. The recent development of metal catalysts including Rh, Ni, Co, and their alloys for steam reforming of biomass tar and tar model compounds is introduced. The role of metal species, support materials, promoters, and their interfaces is described. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Catalyst containing oxygen transport membrane

    DOEpatents

    Christie, Gervase Maxwell; Wilson, Jamie Robyn; van Hassel, Bart Antonie

    2012-12-04

    A composite oxygen transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer and an intermediate porous layer located between the dense layer and the porous support layer. Both the dense layer and the intermediate porous layer are formed from an ionic conductive material to conduct oxygen ions and an electrically conductive material to conduct electrons. The porous support layer has a high permeability, high porosity, and a high average pore diameter and the intermediate porous layer has a lower permeability and lower pore diameter than the porous support layer. Catalyst particles selected to promote oxidation of a combustible substance are located in the intermediate porous layer and in the porous support adjacent to the intermediate porous layer. The catalyst particles can be formed by wicking a solution of catalyst precursors through the porous support toward the intermediate porous layer.

  3. Computational methods in the development of a knowledge-based system for the prediction of solid catalyst performance.

    PubMed

    Procelewska, Joanna; Galilea, Javier Llamas; Clerc, Frederic; Farrusseng, David; Schüth, Ferdi

    2007-01-01

    The objective of this work is the construction of a correlation between characteristics of heterogeneous catalysts, encoded in a descriptor vector, and their experimentally measured performances in the propene oxidation reaction. In this paper the key issue in the modeling process, namely the selection of adequate input variables, is explored. Several data-driven feature selection strategies were applied in order to obtain an estimate of the differences in variance and information content of various attributes, furthermore to compare their relative importance. Quantitative property activity relationship techniques using probabilistic neural networks have been used for the creation of various semi-empirical models. Finally, a robust classification model, assigning selected attributes of solid compounds as input to an appropriate performance class in the model reaction was obtained. It has been evident that the mathematical support for the primary attributes set proposed by chemists can be highly desirable.

  4. Green diesel production via catalytic hydrogenation/decarboxylation of triglycerides and fatty acids of vegetable oil and brown grease

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sari, Elvan

    Increase in the petroleum prices, projected increases in the world's energy demand and environmental awareness have shifted the research interest to the alternative fuel technologies. In particular, green diesel, vegetable oil/animal fat/waste oil and grease derived hydrocarbons in diesel boiling range, has become an attractive alternative to biodiesel---a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters, particularly due to its superior fuel properties that are similar to petroleum diesel. Hence, green diesel can be used as a drop-in fuel in the current diesel engines. The current technology for production of green diesel-hydrodeoxygenation of triglycerides and fatty acids over conventional hydrotreating catalysts suffers from fast catalyst deactivation in the absence of hydrogen combined with high temperatures and high fatty acid content in the feedstock. Additionally, excess hydrogen requirement for hydrodeoxygenation technique leads to high production costs. This thesis proposes a new technology-selective decarboxylation of brown grease, which is a mixture of fats and oils collected from waste water trap and rich in fatty acids, over a supported noble metal catalyst that overcomes the green diesel production challenges. In contrast to other feedstocks used for liquid biofuel production, brown grease is inexpensive and non-food competing feedstock, therefore the process finds solution to waste management issues, reduces the renewable fuel production cost and does not add to the global food shortage problems. Special catalyst formulations were developed to have a high activity and stability in the absence of hydrogen in the fatty acid decarboxylation process. The study shows how catalyst innovations can lead to a new technology that overcomes the process challenges. First, the effect of reaction parameters on the activity and the selectivity of brown grease decarboxylation with minimum hydrogen consumption over an activated carbon supported palladium catalyst were investigated. A 90% conversion of brown grease in a semi-batch mode was obtained in 7 hours. In contrast, in a batch reaction the conversion was roughly 40% in the same reaction time. However, by pre-treating the "as received" brown grease with H 2, the conversion in a batch reactor was increased 1.4--fold; and when the H2 to BG ratio was increased to 3/1 (mol/mol), the conversion was further improved. Therefore, such a two-step processing with selective hydrogenation prior to the decarboxylation of BG improves the product selectivity. The commercial 5% Pd/C catalyst was highly active for the decarboxylation of brown grease to green diesel at 300 °C and 1.5 MPa. Second, a class of Pd catalyst supported on a silica-activated carbon nanocomposite for free fatty acid decarboxylation was developed, and displayed excellent activity and operation stability selectively for the green diesel hydrocarbons formation in the absence of hydrogen under mild reaction conditions. The decarboxylation activities of different amount of silica containing catalysts were investigated in a batch reactor under inert gas. Among them, the formulation with the fewer oxygen surface groups (Pd/Si--C--4) was the most active catalyst for the decarboxylation of an unsaturated fatty acid. The high activity of the Pd/Si--C--4 catalyst is attributed to its accessible and well-distributed metallic Pd nanoparticles inside hybrid mesopores as well as to its low acidity, weak surface interactions and inertness. Thus, Pd supported on carbon modified with silica may be regarded as a prospective decarboxylation catalyst for the removal of oxygen from vegetable oil/animal fat without the need of additional hydrogen. Third, in order to design a suitable catalyst for conversion of brown grease to green diesel, a systematic study of the model compounds--oleic acid was conducted on various catalysts in super-critical water to understand the reaction pathways in the absence of hydrogen. A Si--C support was more effective than activated carbon itself for both decarboxylation of oleic acid and hydrogenation of alkenes. In an additional effort to reduce Pd amount in the catalyst, Pd2Co/C catalysts with various Pd content were prepared and the catalytic activity study showed that 0.5 wt% Pd2Co/C catalyst performs even better than a 5 wt% Pd/C catalyst. Pd and Co alloys were very well dispersed and formed fine clusters, which led to a higher active metal surface area and hence favored the decarboxylation of oleic acid. This study showed that an alloy of Pd on carbon with a significantly low Pd content is much more active and selective to diesel hydrocarbons production from an unsaturated fatty acid in super-critical water and may be regarded as a prospective feasible decarboxylation catalyst for the removal of oxygen from vegetable oil/animal fat without the need of additional hydrogen.

  5. Preparation of Supported Palladium Catalysts using Deep Eutectic Solvents.

    PubMed

    Iwanow, Melanie; Finkelmeyer, Jasmin; Söldner, Anika; Kaiser, Manuela; Gärtner, Tobias; Sieber, Volker; König, Burkhard

    2017-09-12

    Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) dissolve metal salts or oxides and are used as solvent and carbon source for the preparation of supported palladium catalysts. After dissolving of the palladium salt in the DES, the pyrolysis of the mixture under nitrogen atmosphere yields catalytically active palladium on supporting material composed of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen (CNO) by a simple single step preparation method without further activation. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and CHNS/O elementary analysis. The amount of functional groups on the surface of the supporting material was determined by Boehm titrations. Moreover, the activity of the prepared catalysts was evaluated in the hydrogenation of linear alkenes and compared with a commercial Pd/C catalyst. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Carbon nanocages: a new support material for Pt catalyst with remarkably high durability.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiao Xia; Tan, Zhe Hua; Zeng, Min; Wang, Jian Nong

    2014-03-24

    Low durability is the major challenge hindering the large-scale implementation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, and corrosion of carbon support materials of current catalysts is the main cause. Here, we describe the finding of remarkably high durability with the use of a novel support material. This material is based on hollow carbon nanocages developed with a high degree of graphitization and concurrent nitrogen doping for oxidation resistance enhancement, uniform deposition of fine Pt particles, and strong Pt-support interaction. Accelerated degradation testing shows that such designed catalyst possesses a superior electrochemical activity and long-term stability for both hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction relative to industry benchmarks of current catalysts. Further testing under conditions of practical fuel cell operation reveals almost no degradation over long-term cycling. Such a catalyst of high activity, particularly, high durability, opens the door for the next-generation PEMFC for "real world" application.

  7. Hydroprocessing of rubber seed oil to renewable fuels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tran, Tan Viet; Phung, Minh Tri

    2017-09-01

    Hydroprocessing of rubber seed oil (RSO) with various types of alumina-silica support catalyst was conducted at 400°C and a hydrogen partial pressure of 3.0 MPa in 3 hours. The effects of the alumina-silica and metal doping on alumina-silica on the conversion, and distribution of oil fraction products (initial boiling point (IBP) to 80°C, from 80-200°C, from 200-360°C and higher than 360°C boiling point) were investigated. Compared to the results obtained when using Mo@Al2O3-SiO2, hydroprocessing of RSO resulted in a higher conversion and much higher yield of the light fraction (BP <230°C). Both alumina-silica catalysts led to an improved conversion as well as a higher light fraction yield. Results show that hydroprocessing of RSO with metal doping on alumina-silica support was more efficient than that only Al2O3-SiO2.

  8. Selective Fragmentation of Biorefinery Corncob Lignin into p-Hydroxycinnamic Esters with a Supported ZnMoO4 Catalyst.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shuizhong; Gao, Wa; Li, Helong; Xiao, Ling-Ping; Sun, Run-Cang; Song, Guoyong

    2018-04-16

    Lignin is the largest renewable resource of bio-aromatics, and catalytic fragmentation of lignin into phenolic monomers is increasingly recognized as an important starting point for lignin valorization. Herein, we reported zinc molybdate (ZnMoO4) supported on MCM-41 can catalyze fragmentation of biorefinery technical lignin, enzymatic mild acidolysis lignin and native lignin derived from corncob, to give lignin oily products containing 15 to 37.8 wt% phenolic monomers, in which the high selectivities towards methyl coumarate 1 and methyl ferulate 2 were obtained (up to 78%). The effects of some key parameters such as the influences of solvent, reaction temperature, time, H2 pressure and catalyst dosage were examined in view of activity and selectivity. The loss of zinc atom in catalyst is appointed as a primary cause of deactivation, and catalytic activity and selectivity can be well-preserved for at least six times by thermal calcination. The high selectivity to compounds 1 and 2 make them easily separated and purified from lignin oily product, thus providing sustainable monomers for preparation of functional polyetheresters and polyesters. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Methods for making a supported iron-copper catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Dyer, Paul N.; Pierantozzi, Ronald

    1986-01-01

    A catalyst is described for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from CO+H.sub.2 utilizing a porous Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 support impregnated with iron and copper and optionally promoted with an alkali metal. The use of an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 support results in the suppression of heavy waxes (C.sub.26 + hydrocarbons), particularly in slurry phase operation, when compared to unsupported or co-precipitated catalysts.

  10. Carbon nanotubes grown on bulk materials and methods for fabrication

    DOEpatents

    Menchhofer, Paul A [Clinton, TN; Montgomery, Frederick C [Oak Ridge, TN; Baker, Frederick S [Oak Ridge, TN

    2011-11-08

    Disclosed are structures formed as bulk support media having carbon nanotubes formed therewith. The bulk support media may comprise fibers or particles and the fibers or particles may be formed from such materials as quartz, carbon, or activated carbon. Metal catalyst species are formed adjacent the surfaces of the bulk support material, and carbon nanotubes are grown adjacent the surfaces of the metal catalyst species. Methods employ metal salt solutions that may comprise iron salts such as iron chloride, aluminum salts such as aluminum chloride, or nickel salts such as nickel chloride. Carbon nanotubes may be separated from the carbon-based bulk support media and the metal catalyst species by using concentrated acids to oxidize the carbon-based bulk support media and the metal catalyst species.

  11. Understanding of catalyst deactivation caused by sulfur poisoning and carbon deposition in steam reforming of liquid hydrocarbon fuels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Chao

    2011-12-01

    The present work was conducted to develop a better understanding on the catalyst deactivation in steam reforming of sulfur-containing liquid hydrocarbon fuels for hydrogen production. Steam reforming of Norpar13 (a liquid hydrocarbon fuel from Exxon Mobile) without and with sulfur was performed on various metal catalysts (Rh, Ru, Pt, Pd, and Ni) supported on different materials (Al2O3, CeO2, SiO2, MgO, and CeO2- Al2O3). A number of characterization techniques were applied to study the physicochemical properties of these catalysts before and after the reactions. Especially, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was intensively used to investigate the nature of sulfur and carbon species in the used catalysts to reveal the catalyst deactivation mechanism. Among the tested noble metal catalysts (Rh, Ru, Pt, and Pd), Rh catalyst is the most sulfur tolerant. Al2O3 and CeO2 are much better than SiO2 and MgO as the supports for the Rh catalyst to reform sulfur-containing hydrocarbons. The good sulfur tolerance of Rh/Al2O3 can be attributed to the acidic nature of the Al2O3 support and its small Rh crystallites (1-3 nm) as these characteristics facilitate the formation of electron-deficient Rh particles with high sulfur tolerance. The good catalytic performance of Rh/CeO2 in the presence of sulfur can be ascribed to the promotion effect of CeO2 on carbon gasification, which significantly reduced the carbon deposition on the Rh/CeO2catalyst. Steam reforming of Norpar13 in the absence and presence of sulfur was further carried out over CeO2-Al2O3 supported monometallic Ni and Rh and bimetallic Rh-Ni catalysts at 550 and 800 °C. Both monometallic catalysts rapidly deactivated at 550 °C, iv and showed poor sulfur tolerance. Although ineffective for the Ni catalyst, increasing the temperature to 800 °C dramatically improved the sulfur tolerance of the Rh catalyst. Sulfur K-edge XANES revealed that metal sulfide and organic sulfide are the dominant sulfur species on the used Ni catalyst, while sulfonate and sulfate predominate on the used Rh catalyst. The superior sulfur tolerance of the Rh/CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst at 800 °C may be associated with its capability in sulfur oxidation. It is very likely that the oxygenshielded sulfur structure of sulfonate and sulfate can suppress the poisoning impact of sulfur on Rh through inhibiting direct rhodium-sulfur interaction. Although the Rh-Ni catalyst exhibited better sulfur tolerance than the monometallic ones at 550 °C, its catalytic performance was inferior compared with the Rh catalyst in the sulfur-containing reaction at 800 °C probably due to the severe carbon deposition on the bimetallic catalyst. The last part of this work focuses on the influence of sulfur on the carbon deposition in steam reforming of liquid hydrocarbon fuels over CeO2-Al2O3 supported monometallic Ni and Rh catalysts at 800 ºC. Though abundant carbon deposits can accumulate on the pure CeO2-Al2O3 support due to fuel thermal cracking, the metal addition substantially mitigated the carbon deposition in the sulfur-free reaction. The presence of sulfur increased the carbon deposition on both catalysts, which has a much more significant impact for the Ni catalyst. Our results indicate that (I) the presence of sulfur can suppress carbon gasification and promote the formation of graphitic carbon on reforming catalysts, and (II) the Rh catalyst possesses stronger capability to maintain carbon gasification activity than the Ni catalyst in the presence of sulfur.

  12. Influence of H 2O and H 2S on the composition, activity, and stability of sulfided Mo, CoMo, and NiMo supported on MgAl 2O 4 for hydrodeoxygenation of ethylene glycol

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dabros, Trine Marie Hartmann; Gaur, Abhijeet; Pintos, Delfina Garcia

    Here in this work, density functional theory (DFT), catalytic activity tests, and in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was performed to gain detailed insights into the activity and stability of MoS 2, Ni-MoS 2, and Co-MoS 2 catalysts used for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of ethylene glycol upon variation of the partial pressures of H 2O and H 2S. The results show high water tolerance of the catalysts and highlight the importance of promotion and H 2S level during HDO. DFT calculations unraveled that the active edge of MoS 2 could be stabilized against SO exchanges by increasing the partial pressure of Hmore » 2S or by promotion with either Ni or Co. The Mo, NiMo, and CoMo catalysts of the present study were all active and fairly selective for ethylene glycol HDO at 400 °C, 27 bar H 2, and 550–2200 ppm H 2S, and conversions of ≈50–100%. The unpromoted Mo/MgAl 2O 4 catalyst had a lower stability and activity per gram catalyst than the promoted analogues. The NiMo and CoMo catalysts produced ethane, ethylene, and C1 cracking products with a C 2/C 1 ratio of 1.5–2.0 at 550 ppm H 2S. This ratio of HDO to cracking could be increased to ≈2 at 2200 ppm H 2S which also stabilized the activity. Removing H 2S from the feed caused severe catalyst deactivation. Both DFT and catalytic activity tests indicated that increasing the H 2S concentration increased the concentration of SH groups on the catalyst, which correspondingly activated and stabilized the catalytic HDO performance. In-situ XAS further supported that the catalysts were tolerant towards water when exposed to increasing water concentration with H2O/H2S ratios up to 300 at 400–450 °C. Raman spectroscopy and XAS showed that MoS2 was present in the prepared catalysts as small and highly dispersed particles, probably owing to a strong interaction with the support. Linear combination fitting (LCF) analysis of the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra obtained during in-situ sulfidation showed that Ni was sulfided faster than Mo and CoMo, and that Mo was sulfided faster when promoted with Ni. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) results showed the presence of MoS 2 in all sulfided catalysts. Lastly, sulfided CoMo was present as a mixture of CoMoS and Co 9S 8, whereas sulfided NiMo was present as NiMoS.« less

  13. Influence of H 2O and H 2S on the composition, activity, and stability of sulfided Mo, CoMo, and NiMo supported on MgAl 2O 4 for hydrodeoxygenation of ethylene glycol

    DOE PAGES

    Dabros, Trine Marie Hartmann; Gaur, Abhijeet; Pintos, Delfina Garcia; ...

    2017-12-10

    Here in this work, density functional theory (DFT), catalytic activity tests, and in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was performed to gain detailed insights into the activity and stability of MoS 2, Ni-MoS 2, and Co-MoS 2 catalysts used for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of ethylene glycol upon variation of the partial pressures of H 2O and H 2S. The results show high water tolerance of the catalysts and highlight the importance of promotion and H 2S level during HDO. DFT calculations unraveled that the active edge of MoS 2 could be stabilized against SO exchanges by increasing the partial pressure of Hmore » 2S or by promotion with either Ni or Co. The Mo, NiMo, and CoMo catalysts of the present study were all active and fairly selective for ethylene glycol HDO at 400 °C, 27 bar H 2, and 550–2200 ppm H 2S, and conversions of ≈50–100%. The unpromoted Mo/MgAl 2O 4 catalyst had a lower stability and activity per gram catalyst than the promoted analogues. The NiMo and CoMo catalysts produced ethane, ethylene, and C1 cracking products with a C 2/C 1 ratio of 1.5–2.0 at 550 ppm H 2S. This ratio of HDO to cracking could be increased to ≈2 at 2200 ppm H 2S which also stabilized the activity. Removing H 2S from the feed caused severe catalyst deactivation. Both DFT and catalytic activity tests indicated that increasing the H 2S concentration increased the concentration of SH groups on the catalyst, which correspondingly activated and stabilized the catalytic HDO performance. In-situ XAS further supported that the catalysts were tolerant towards water when exposed to increasing water concentration with H2O/H2S ratios up to 300 at 400–450 °C. Raman spectroscopy and XAS showed that MoS2 was present in the prepared catalysts as small and highly dispersed particles, probably owing to a strong interaction with the support. Linear combination fitting (LCF) analysis of the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra obtained during in-situ sulfidation showed that Ni was sulfided faster than Mo and CoMo, and that Mo was sulfided faster when promoted with Ni. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) results showed the presence of MoS 2 in all sulfided catalysts. Lastly, sulfided CoMo was present as a mixture of CoMoS and Co 9S 8, whereas sulfided NiMo was present as NiMoS.« less

  14. Microwave assisted synthesis of biarlys by Csbnd C coupling reactions with a new chitosan supported Pd(II) catalyst

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baran, Talat; Menteş, Ayfer

    2016-10-01

    In this study a new type chitosan-based support has been produced for Pd(II) catalyst and its catalytic performance in Suzuki Csbnd C reactions has been studied under microwave irradiation without using any solvent. The chemical identification of the catalyst was performed using TG/DTG, FTIR, UV-Vis ICP-OES, SEM/EDAX, 13C NMR, molar conductivity, XRD and magnetic moment techniques. The performance of this new Pd(II) catalyst was studied in Suzuki Csbnd C reactions. The Pd(II) catalyst exhibited a good catalytic performance in very short time (4 min) by giving high TONs and TOFs with low amount of the catalyst (0.015 mol%). The catalyst also had reusability and did not lose its activity until six runs.

  15. Effect of Graphitic Content on Carbon Supported Catalyst Performance

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Patel, Anant; Artyushkova, Kateryna; Atanassov, Plamen

    2011-07-01

    The effect of graphitic content on carbon supported platinum catalysts was investigated in order to investigate its influence on catalyst performance. Four catalysts of varying surface areas and graphitic content were analyzed using XPS, HREELS, and tested using RDE experiments. The catalysts were also heat treated at 150oC and 100%RH as means to uniformly age them. The heat treated samples were analyzed using the same methods to determine what changes had occurred due to this aging process. When compared to the BOL catalysts, heat treated catalysts displayed increased graphitic carbon and platinum metalic content, however they also showed depressed catalyticmore » activity. The primary cause is still under investigation, though it is believed to be related to loss of amorphous carbon content.« less

  16. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xie, Chao; Chen, Yongsheng; Engelhard, Mark H.

    This work was conducted to clarify the influence of the type of metal and support on the sulfur tolerance and carbon resistance of supported noble metal catalysts in steam reforming of liquid hydrocarbons. Al2O3-supported noble metal catalysts (Rh, Ru, Pt, and Pd), Rh catalysts on different supports (Al2O3, CeO2, SiO2, and MgO), and Pt catalyst supported on CeO2 and Al2O3, were examined for steam reforming of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel (Norpar13 from Exxon Mobil) at 800 C for 55 h. The results indicate that (1) Rh/Al2O3 shows higher sulfur tolerance than the Ru, Pt, and Pd catalysts on the samemore » support; (2) both Al2O3 and CeO2 are promising supports for Rh catalyst to process sulfur-containing hydrocarbons; and (3) Pt/CeO2 exhibits better catalytic performance than Pt/Al2O3 in the reaction with sulfur. TEM results demonstrate that the metal particles in Rh/Al2O3 were better dispersed (mostly in 1-3 nm) compared with the other catalysts after reforming the sulfur-containing feed. As revealed by XPS, the binding energy of Rh 3d for Rh/Al2O3 is notably higher than that for Rh/CeO2, implying the formation of electron-deficient Rh particles in the former. The strong sulfur tolerance of Rh/Al2O3 may be related to the formation of well-dispersed electron-deficient Rh particles on the Al2O3 support. Sulfur K-edge XANES illustrates the preferential formation of sulfonate and sulfate on Rh/Al2O3, which is believed to be beneficial for improving its sulfur tolerance as their oxygen-shielded sulfur structure may hinder direct Rh-S interaction. Due to its strong sulfur tolerance, the carbon deposition on Rh/Al2O3 was significantly lower than that on the Al2O3-supported Ru, Pt, and Pd catalysts after the reaction with sulfur. The superior catalytic performance of CeO2-supported Rh and Pt catalysts in the presence of sulfur can be ascribed mainly to the promotion effect of CeO2 on carbon gasification, leading to much lower carbon deposition compared with the Rh/Al2O3, Rh/MgO, Rh/SiO2 and Pt/Al2O3 catalysts.« less

  17. Charge Transfer and Catalysis at the Metal Support Interface

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Baker, Lawrence Robert

    Kinetic, electronic, and spectroscopic characterization of model Pt–support systems are used to demonstrate the relationship between charge transfer and catalytic activity and selectivity. The results show that charge flow controls the activity and selectivity of supported metal catalysts. This dissertation builds on extensive existing knowledge of metal–support interactions in heterogeneous catalysis. The results show the prominent role of charge transfer at catalytic interfaces to determine catalytic activity and selectivity. Further, this research demonstrates the possibility of selectively driving catalytic chemistry by controlling charge flow and presents solid-state devices and doped supports as novel methods for obtaining electronic control over catalyticmore » reaction kinetics.« less

  18. Dehydration of glycerol over niobia-supported silicotungstic acid catalysts.

    PubMed

    Lee, Young Yi; Ok, Hye Jeong; Moon, Dong Ju; Kim, Jong Ho; Park, Nam Cook; Kim, Young Chul

    2013-01-01

    Liquid-phase dehydration of glycerol to acrolein over nanosized niobia-supported silicotungstic acid catalysts was performed to investigate the effect of the silicotungstic acid loading on the catalytic performance of the catalysts. The catalysts were prepared by following an impregnation method with different HSiW loadings in the range of 10-50 wt%. The prepared catalysts were characterized by N2 physisorption, XRD, FT-IR, TPD of ammonia, and TGA. Dehydration of glycerol was conducted in an autoclave reactor under the conditions of controlled reaction temperatures under corresponding pressure. Increasing HSiW loading rapidly increased the acidity of HSiW/Nb205 catalyst and rate of glycerol conversion, but acrolein selectivity decreased due to enhanced deactivation of the catalyst by carbon deposit. Consequently, it was confirmed that catalytic activity for the dehydration of glycerol to acrolein was dependant on the acidity of catalyst and can be controlled by HSiW loading.

  19. NiO-PTA supported on ZIF-8 as a highly effective catalyst for hydrocracking of Jatropha oil

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Jing; He, Jing; Wang, Luying; Li, Rong; Chen, Pan; Rao, Xin; Deng, Lihong; Rong, Long; Lei, Jiandu

    2016-01-01

    Nickel oxide (NiO) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA) supported on a ZIF-8 (NiO-PTA/ZIF-8) catalyst was first synthesized and it showed high activity and good selectivity for the hydrocracking of Jatropha oil. The catalyst was characterized by SEM, SEM-EDS, TEM, N2 adsorption, FT-IR, XRD and XPS. Compared with the NiO-PTA/Al2O3 catalyst, the selectivity of C15-C18 hydrocarbon increased over 36%, and catalytic efficiency increased 10 times over the NiO-PTA/ZIF-8 catalyst. The prepared NiO-PTA/ZIF-8 catalyst was stable for a reaction time of 104 h and the kinetic behavior was also analyzed. This catalyst was found to bypass the presulfurization process, showing promise as an alternative to sulfided catalysts for green diesel production. PMID:27020579

  20. Nanoscale Catalysts for NMR Signal Enhancement by Reversible Exchange

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Two types of nanoscale catalysts were created to explore NMR signal enhancement via reversible exchange (SABRE) at the interface between heterogeneous and homogeneous conditions. Nanoparticle and polymer comb variants were synthesized by covalently tethering Ir-based organometallic catalysts to support materials composed of TiO2/PMAA (poly(methacrylic acid)) and PVP (polyvinylpyridine), respectively, and characterized by AAS, NMR, and DLS. Following parahydrogen (pH2) gas delivery to mixtures containing one type of “nano-SABRE” catalyst particle, a target substrate, and ethanol, up to ∼(−)40-fold and ∼(−)7-fold 1H NMR signal enhancements were observed for pyridine substrates using the nanoparticle and polymer comb catalysts, respectively, following transfer to high field (9.4 T). These enhancements appear to result from intact particles and not from any catalyst molecules leaching from their supports; unlike the case with homogeneous SABRE catalysts, high-field (in situ) SABRE effects were generally not observed with the nanoscale catalysts. The potential for separation and reuse of such catalyst particles is also demonstrated. Taken together, these results support the potential utility of rational design at molecular, mesoscopic, and macroscopic/engineering levels for improving SABRE and HET-SABRE (heterogeneous-SABRE) for applications varying from fundamental studies of catalysis to biomedical imaging. PMID:26185545

  1. Promising SiC support for Pd catalyst in selective hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Zhanglong; Liu, Yuefeng; Liu, Yan; Chu, Wei

    2018-06-01

    In this study, SiC supported Pd nanoparticles were found to be an efficient catalyst in acetylene selective hydrogenation reaction. The ethylene selectivity can be about 20% higher than that on Pd/TiO2 catalyst at the same acetylene conversion at 90%. Moreover, Pd/SiC catalyst showed a stable catalytic life at 65 °C with 80% ethylene selectivity. With the detailed characterization using temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption/desorption analysis, CO-chemisorption and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), it was found that SiC owns a lower surface area (22.9 m2/g) and a broad distribution of meso-/macro-porosity (from 5 to 65 nm), which enhanced the mass transfer during the chemical process at high reaction rate and decreased the residence time of ethylene on catalyst surface. Importantly, SiC support has the high thermal conductivity, which favored the rapid temperature homogenization through the catalyst bed and inhabited the over-hydrogenation of acetylene. The surface electronic density of Pd on Pd/SiC catalyst was higher than that on Pd/TiO2, which could promote desorption of ethylene from surface of the catalyst. TGA results confirmed a much less coke deposition on Pd/SiC catalyst.

  2. TiO2 Nanotube-Carbon (TNT-C) as Support for Pt-based Catalyst for High Methanol Oxidation Reaction in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell.

    PubMed

    Abdullah, M; Kamarudin, S K; Shyuan, L K

    2016-12-01

    In this study, TiO 2 nanotubes (TNTs) were synthesized via a hydrothermal method using highly concentrated NaOH solutions varying from 6 to 12 M at 180 °C for 48 h. The effects of the NaOH concentration and the TNT crystal structure on the performance for methanol oxidation were investigated to determine the best catalyst support for Pt-based catalysts. The results showed that TNTs produced with 10 M NaOH exhibited a length and a diameter of 550 and 70 nm, respectively; these TNTs showed the best nanotube structure and were further used as catalyst supports for a Pt-based catalyst in a direct methanol fuel cell. The synthesized TNT and Pt-based catalysts were analysed by FESEM, TEM, BET, EDX, XRD and FTIR. The electrochemical performance of the catalysts was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometric (CA) analysis to further understand the methanol oxidation in the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Finally, the result proves that Pt-Ru/TNT-C catalyst shows high performance in methanol oxidation as the highest current density achieved at 3.3 mA/cm 2 (normalised by electrochemically active surface area) and high catalyst tolerance towards poisoning species was established.

  3. High-performance bimetallic alloy catalyst using Ni and N co-doped composite carbon for the oxygen electro-reduction.

    PubMed

    Jung, Won Suk

    2018-03-15

    In this study, a novel synthesis method for the bimetallic alloy catalyst is reported, which is subsequently used as an oxygen reduction catalyst in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The support prepared from the Ni-chelate complex shows a mesoporous structure with a specific surface area of ca. 400 m 2  g -1 indicating the suitable support for PEMFC applications. Ethylenediamine is converted to the nitrogen and carbon layers to protect the Ni particles which will diffuse into the Pt lattice at 800 °C. The PtNi/NCC catalyst with PtNi cores and Pt-rich shells is successfully formed when acid-treated as evidenced by line scan profiles. The catalyst particles thus synthesized are well-dispersed on the N-doped carbon support, while the average particle size is ca. 3 nm. In the PEMFC test, the maximum power density of the PtNi/NCC catalyst shows approximately 25% higher than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The mass activity of the PtNi/NCC catalyst showed approximately 3-fold higher than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The mass activity strongly depends on the ratio of Pt to Ni since the strain effect can be strong for catalysts due to the mismatch of lattice parameters of the Ni and Pt. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Understanding the performance and mechanism of Mg-containing oxides as support catalysts in the thermal dry reforming of methane.

    PubMed

    Khairudin, Nor Fazila; Sukri, Mohd Farid Fahmi; Khavarian, Mehrnoush; Mohamed, Abdul Rahman

    2018-01-01

    Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is one of the more promising methods for syngas (synthetic gas) production and co-utilization of methane and carbon dioxide, which are the main greenhouse gases. Magnesium is commonly applied in a Ni-based catalyst in DRM to improve catalyst performance and inhibit carbon deposition. The aim of this review is to gain better insight into recent developments on the use of Mg as a support or promoter for DRM catalysts. Its high basicity and high thermal stability make Mg suitable for introduction into the highly endothermic reaction of DRM. The introduction of Mg as a support or promoter for Ni-based catalysts allows for good metal dispersion on the catalyst surface, which consequently facilitates high catalytic activity and low catalyst deactivation. The mechanism of DRM and carbon formation and reduction are reviewed. This work further explores how different constraints, such as the synthesis method, metal loading, pretreatment, and operating conditions, influence the dry reforming reactions and product yields. In this review, different strategies for enhancing catalytic activity and the effect of metal dispersion on Mg-containing oxide catalysts are highlighted.

  5. Catalyst recycling via specific non-covalent adsorption on modified silicas.

    PubMed

    Kluwer, Alexander M; Simons, Chretien; Knijnenburg, Quinten; van der Vlugt, Jarl Ivar; de Bruin, Bas; Reek, Joost N H

    2013-03-14

    This article describes a new strategy for the recycling of a homogeneous hydroformylation catalyst, by selective adsorption of the catalyst to tailor-made supports after a batchwise reaction. The separation of the catalyst from the product mixture is based on selective non-covalent supramolecular interactions between a ligand and the support. Changing the solvent releases the active catalyst back into the reactor and allows a subsequent batch reaction with the recycled active catalyst. For this purpose, the bidentate NixantPhos ligand has been equipped with a pyridine group. The corresponding rhodium pre-catalyst [Rh(Nix-py)(acac)] (acac = acetylacetonate) forms a very selective, active and highly stable catalyst, and able to reach a turnover number (TON) of 170 000 in a single run (reaction performed in nearly neat 1-octene, S/C ratio of 200 000, at 140 °C, 20 bars syngas pressure). Various commercially available supports have been explored in binding studies and recycling experiments. The end-capped silica-alumina performs the best so far with respect to ligand-adsorbing properties for the current purpose. Although this system has not been fully optimized, four recycling runs could be performed successfully.

  6. Understanding the performance and mechanism of Mg-containing oxides as support catalysts in the thermal dry reforming of methane

    PubMed Central

    Khairudin, Nor Fazila; Sukri, Mohd Farid Fahmi; Khavarian, Mehrnoush

    2018-01-01

    Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is one of the more promising methods for syngas (synthetic gas) production and co-utilization of methane and carbon dioxide, which are the main greenhouse gases. Magnesium is commonly applied in a Ni-based catalyst in DRM to improve catalyst performance and inhibit carbon deposition. The aim of this review is to gain better insight into recent developments on the use of Mg as a support or promoter for DRM catalysts. Its high basicity and high thermal stability make Mg suitable for introduction into the highly endothermic reaction of DRM. The introduction of Mg as a support or promoter for Ni-based catalysts allows for good metal dispersion on the catalyst surface, which consequently facilitates high catalytic activity and low catalyst deactivation. The mechanism of DRM and carbon formation and reduction are reviewed. This work further explores how different constraints, such as the synthesis method, metal loading, pretreatment, and operating conditions, influence the dry reforming reactions and product yields. In this review, different strategies for enhancing catalytic activity and the effect of metal dispersion on Mg-containing oxide catalysts are highlighted. PMID:29719767

  7. Chemical activation of commercial CNTs with simultaneous surface deposition of manganese oxide nano flakes for the creation of CNTs-graphene supported oxygen reduction ternary composite catalysts applied in air fuel cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Ling; Liu, Danxian

    2018-07-01

    To elevate power performance is crucial for commercally potential metal air fuel cells. Non-precious metal oxide-based oxygen reduction catalytic electrode is much desirable. Rational combination with low-dimension nanomaterials are greatly expected as the supports. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-graphene supported manganese oxides composite catalysts (CMnCs) were obtained through activating commercial CNTs, namely, immersing them in acidic KMnO4 solution at room condition. It avoided conventional hydrothermal process and template surfactants. CMnCs-based air cathodes were made via pilot manufacture technology and equipped in fuel cells. Through characterizations, CNTs was found structurally defective and their outer walls suffered cracking into graphene nano pieces during processing, which further enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Nano sized manganese oxide flakes were simulataneously grown on the CNTs-graphene surfaces, identified as the manganite. The areal distribution was found closely related to the additive amount of KMnO4 with regard to CNTs, somewhat influencing catalytic performance. The ORR activities of these CMnCs exceeded raw CNTs and referred manganese catalysts under identical conditions, and also the CMnCs air fuel cells were capable of outputting ∼15% more power at 100 mA/cm2. This reseach provided an inspiring pilot evidence for updating air fuel cell power from economical carbon as well as industrialization.

  8. Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Alkyl Lactates to Alkyl Propionates with Fe-based Bimetallic Supported Catalysts.

    PubMed

    Khokarale, Santosh Govind; He, Jian; Schill, Leonhard; Yang, Song; Riisager, Anders; Saravanamurugan, Shunmugavel

    2018-02-22

    Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of methyl lactate (ML) to methyl propionate (MP) was performed with various base-metal supported catalysts. A high yield of 77 % MP was obtained with bimetallic Fe-Ni/ZrO 2 in methanol at 220 °C and 50 bar H 2 . A synergistic effect of Ni increased the yield of MP significantly when using Fe-Ni/ZrO 2 instead of Fe/ZrO 2 alone. Moreover, the ZrO 2 support contributed to improve the yield as a phase transition of ZrO 2 from tetragonal to monoclinic occurred after metal doping giving rise to fine dispersion of the Fe and Ni on the ZrO 2 , resulting in a higher catalytic activity of the material. Interestingly, it was observed that Fe-Ni/ZrO 2 also effectively catalyzed methanol reforming to produce H 2 in situ, followed by HDO of ML, yielding 60 % MP at 220 °C with 50 bar N 2 instead of H 2 . Fe-Ni/ZrO 2 also catalyzed HDO of other short-chain alkyl lactates to the corresponding alkyl propionates in high yields around 70 %. No loss of activity of Fe-Ni/ZrO 2 occurred in five consecutive reaction runs demonstrating the high durability of the catalyst system. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Electronic modification of Pt via Ti and Se as tolerant cathodes in air-breathing methanol microfluidic fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Ma, Jiwei; Habrioux, Aurélien; Morais, Cláudia; Alonso-Vante, Nicolas

    2014-07-21

    We reported herein on the use of tolerant cathode catalysts such as carbon supported Pt(x)Ti(y) and/or Pt(x)Se(y) nanomaterials in an air-breathing methanol microfluidic fuel cell. In order to show the improvement of mixed-reactant fuel cell (MRFC) performances obtained with the developed tolerant catalysts, a classical Pt/C nanomaterial was used for comparison. Using 5 M methanol concentration in a situation where the fuel crossover is 100% (MRFC-mixed reactant fuel cell application), the maximum power density of the fuel cell with a Pt/C cathodic catalyst decreased by 80% in comparison with what is observed in the laminar flow fuel cell (LFFC) configuration. With Pt(x)Ti(y)/C and Pt(x)Se(y)/C cathode nanomaterials, the performance loss was only 55% and 20%, respectively. The evaluation of the tolerant cathode catalysts in an air-breathing microfluidic fuel cell suggests the development of a novel nanometric system that will not be size restricted. These interesting results are the consequence of the high methanol tolerance of these advanced electrocatalysts via surface electronic modification of Pt. Herein we used X-ray photoelectron and in situ FTIR spectroscopies to investigate the origin of the high methanol tolerance on modified Pt catalysts.

  10. High throughput operando studies using Fourier transform infrared imaging and Raman spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Li, Guosheng; Hu, Dehong; Xia, Guanguang; White, J M; Zhang, Conrad

    2008-07-01

    A prototype high throughput operando (HTO) reactor designed and built for catalyst screening and characterization combines Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging and Raman spectroscopy in operando conditions. Using a focal plane array detector (HgCdTe focal plane array, 128x128 pixels, and 1610 Hz frame rate) for the FT-IR imaging system, the catalyst activity and selectivity of all parallel reaction channels can be simultaneously followed. Each image data set possesses 16 384 IR spectra with a spectral range of 800-4000 cm(-1) and with an 8 cm(-1) resolution. Depending on the signal-to-noise ratio, 2-20 s are needed to generate a full image of all reaction channels for a data set. Results on reactant conversion and product selectivity are obtained from FT-IR spectral analysis. Six novel Raman probes, one for each reaction channel, were specially designed and house built at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, to simultaneously collect Raman spectra of the catalysts and possible reaction intermediates on the catalyst surface under operando conditions. As a model system, methanol partial oxidation reaction on silica-supported molybdenum oxide (MoO3SiO2) catalysts has been studied under different reaction conditions to demonstrate the performance of the HTO reactor.

  11. The preparation of nanosized polyethylene particles via novel heterogeneous non-metallocene catalyst (m-CH3PhO)TiCl3/CNTs/AlEt3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, J.; Guo, J. P.; Yi, J. J.; Huang, Q. G.; Li, H. M.; Li, Y. F.; Gao, K. J.; Yang, W. T.

    2014-08-01

    This paper reports the preparation of coral-shaped topological morphology nascent polyethylene (PE) particles promoted by the novel heterogeneous non-metallocene catalyst (m-CH3PhO)TiCl3/carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with AlEt3 used as a cocatalyst. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy were used to determine the morphology of the catalyst particles and the content of (m-CH3PhO)TiCl3. The carbon nanotube surface was treated with Grignard Reagent prior to reacting with (m-CH3PhO)TiCl3. The catalyst system could effectively catalyze ethylene polymerization and ethylene with 1- hexene copolymerization, the catalytic activity could reach up to 5.8 kg/((gTi)h). Morphology of the obtained polymer particles by SEM and HR-TEM technique revealed that the nascent polyethylene particles looked like coral shape in micro-size. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) supported catalysts polymerized ethylene to form polymer nanocomposite in situ. The microscopic examination of this nanocomposite revealed that carbon nanoparticles in PE matrix had a good distribution and the cryogenically fractured surface was ductile-like when polymerization time was 2 min.

  12. High-pressure vapor-phase hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived oxygenates to hydrocarbons by a PtMo bimetallic catalyst: Product selectivity, reaction pathway, and structural characterization

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yohe, Sara L.; Choudhari, Harshavardhan J.; Mehta, Dhairya D.

    2016-12-01

    High-pressure, vapor-phase, hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions of dihydroeugenol (2-methoxy-4-propylphenol), as well as other phenolic, lignin-derived compounds, were investigated over a bimetallic platinum and molybdenum catalyst supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (5%Pt2.5%Mo/MWCNT). Hydrocarbons were obtained in 100% yield from dihydroeugenol, including 98% yield of the hydrocarbon propylcyclohexane. The final hydrocarbon distribution was shown to be a strong function of hydrogen partial pressure. Kinetic analysis showed three main dihydroeugenol reaction pathways: HDO, hydrogenation, and alkylation. The major pathway occurred via Pt catalyzed hydrogenation of the aromatic ring and methoxy group cleavage to form 4-propylcyclohexanol, then Mo catalyzed removal of the hydroxyl group bymore » dehydration to form propylcyclohexene, followed by hydrogenation of propylcyclohexene on either the Pt or Mo to form the propylcyclohexane. Transalkylation by the methoxy group occurred as a minor side reaction. Catalyst characterization techniques including chemisorption, scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to characterize the catalyst structure. Catalyst components identified were Pt particles, bimetallic PtMo particles, a Mo carbide-like phase, and Mo oxide phases.« less

  13. Facile Fabrication of Platinum-Cobalt Alloy Nanoparticles with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for a Methanol Oxidation Reaction

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Huihong; Hu, Xiulan; Zhang, Jianbo; Su, Nan; Cheng, JieXu

    2017-01-01

    Decreasing the cost associated with platinum-based catalysts along with improving their catalytic properties is a major challenge for commercial direct methanol fuel cells. In this work, a simple and facile strategy was developed for the more efficient preparation of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) -supported Pt/CoPt composite nanoparticles (NPs) via solution plasma sputtering with subsequent thermal annealing. Quite different from general wet synthesis methods, Pt/CoPt composite NPs were directly derived from metal wire electrodes without any additions. The obtained Pt/CoPt/MWCNTs composite catalysts exhibited tremendous improvement in the electro-oxidation of methanol in acidic media with mass activities of 1719 mA mg−1Pt. This value is much higher than that of previous reports of Pt-Co alloy and commercial Pt/C (3.16 times) because of the many active sites and clean surface of the catalysts. The catalysts showed good stability due to the special synergistic effects of the CoPt alloy. Pt/CoPt/MWCNTs can be used as a promising catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. In addition, this solution plasma sputtering-assisted synthesis method introduces a general and feasible route for the synthesis of binary alloys. PMID:28358143

  14. Catalyst containing oxygen transport membrane

    DOEpatents

    Lane, Jonathan A.; Wilson, Jamie R.; Christie, Gervase Maxwell; Petigny, Nathalie; Sarantopoulos, Christos

    2017-02-07

    A composite oxygen transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer and an intermediate porous layer located between the dense layer and the porous support layer. Both the dense layer and the intermediate porous layer are formed from an ionic conductive material to conduct oxygen ions and an electrically conductive material to conduct electrons. The porous support layer has a high permeability, high porosity, and a microstructure exhibiting substantially uniform pore size distribution as a result of using PMMA pore forming materials or a bi-modal particle size distribution of the porous support layer materials. Catalyst particles selected to promote oxidation of a combustible substance are located in the intermediate porous layer and in the porous support adjacent to the intermediate porous layer. The catalyst particles can be formed by wicking a solution of catalyst precursors through the porous support toward the intermediate porous layer.

  15. Corrosion-resistant catalyst supports for phosphoric acid fuel cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kosek, J.A.; Cropley, C.C.; LaConti, A.B.

    High-surface-area carbon blacks such as Vulcan XC-72 (Cabot Corp.) and graphitized carbon blacks such as 2700{degree}C heat-treated Black Pearls 2000 (HTBP) (Cabot Corp.) have found widespread applications as catalyst supports in phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs). However, due to the operating temperatures and pressures being utilized in PAFCs currently under development, the carbon-based cathode catalyst supports suffer from corrosion, which decreases the performance and life span of a PAFC stack. The feasibility of using alternative, low-cost, corrosion-resistant catalyst support (CRCS) materials as replacements for the cathode carbon support materials was investigated. The objectives of the program were to prepare high-surface-areamore » alternative supports and to evaluate the physical characteristics and the electrochemical stability of these materials. The O{sub 2} reduction activity of the platinized CRCS materials was also evaluated. 2 refs., 3 figs.« less

  16. Nitrogen-doped three-dimensional graphene-supported platinum catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chu, Fuqiang; Li, Xingxing; Yuan, Wensen; Zhu, Huanhuan; Qin, Yong; Zhang, Shuai; Yuan, Ningyi; Lin, Bencai; Ding, Jianning

    Catalysts are a key component of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this work, nitrogen-doped three-dimensional graphene-supported platinum (Pt-3DNG) catalysts are successfully prepared and characterized. SEM and TEM images show the Pt nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the sheets of nitrogen-doped 3DNG. Compared with that of the commercial Pt/C catalysts, Pt-3DNG show much better oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and cycling stability, and the reduction in limit current density after 1000 cycles is only about 1.6% for the Pt-3DNG catalysts, whereas 7.2% for the commercial Pt/C catalysts. The single cell using Pt-3DNG catalysts in both the anode and the cathode show a higher peak power density (21.47mW cm-2) than that using commercial Pt/C catalysts (20.17mW cm-2) under the same conditions. These properties make this type of catalyst suitable for the application in PEMFCs.

  17. Static and dynamic structural characterization of nanomaterial catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Masiel, Daniel Joseph

    Heterogeneous catalysts systems are pervasive in industry, technology and academia. These systems often involve nanostructured transition metal particles that have crucial interfaces with either their supports or solid products. Understanding the nature of these interfaces as well as the structure of the catalysts and support materials themselves is crucial for the advancement of catalysis in general. Recent developments in the field of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including dynamic transmission electron microscopy (DTEM), electron tomography, and in situ techniques stand poised to provide fresh insight into nanostructured catalyst systems. Several electron microscopy techniques are applied in this study to elucidate the mechanism of silica nanocoil growth and to discern the role of the support material and catalyst size in carbon dioxide and steam reforming of methane. The growth of silica nanocoils by faceted cobalt nanoparticles is a process that was initially believed to take place via a vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism similar to other nanowire growth techniques. The extensive TEM work described here suggests that the process may instead occur via transport of silicate and silica species over the nanoparticle surface. Electron tomography studies of the interface between the catalyst particles and the wire indicate that they grow from edges between facets. Studies on reduction of the Co 3O4 nanoparticle precursors to the faceted pure cobalt catalysts were carried out using DTEM and in situ heating. Supported catalyst systems for methane reforming were studied using dark field scanning TEM to better understand sintering effects and the increased activity of Ni/Co catalysts supported by carbon nanotubes. Several novel electron microscopy techniques are described including annular dark field DTEM and a metaheuristic algorithm for solving the phase problem of coherent diffractive imaging. By inserting an annular dark field aperture into the back focal plane of the objective lens in a DTEM, time-resolved dark field images can be produced that have vastly improved contrast for supported catalyst materials compared to bright field DTEM imaging. A new algorithm called swarm optimized phase retrieval is described that uses a population-based approach to solve for the missing phases of diffraction data from discrete particles.

  18. CoMn2O4-supported functionalized carbon nanotube: efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction in microbial fuel cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Nengwu; Lu, Yu; Liu, Bowen; Zhang, Taiping; Huang, Jianjian; Shi, Chaohong; Wu, Pingxiao; Dang, Zhi; Wang, Ruixin

    2017-10-01

    Recently, the synthesis of nonprecious metal catalysts with low cost and high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficiency is paid much attention in field of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Transition metal oxides (AMn2O4, A = Co、Ni, and Zn) supported on carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotube exhibit stronger electroconductivity and more active sites comparing to bare AMn2O4. Herein, we demonstrate an easy operating Hummer's method to functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) in order to achieve effective loading of CoMn2O4 nanoparticles, named CoMn2O4/PDDA-CNTs (CMODT). After solvothermal treatment, nanoscale CoMn2O4 particles ( 80 nm) were successfully attached on the noncovalent functionalized carbon nanotube. Results show that such composites possess an outstanding electrocatalytic activity towards ORR comparable to the commercial Pt/C catalyst in neutral media. Electrochemical detections as cyclic voltammogram (CV) and rotating ring-disk electrode tests (RRDE) showed that the potential of oxygen reduction peak of 30% CMODT was at - 0.3 V (vs Ag/AgCl), onset potential was at + 0.4 V. Among them, 30% CMODT composite appeared the best candidate of oxygen reduction via 3.9 electron transfer pathway. When 30% CMODT composite was utilized as cathode catalyst in air cathode MFC, the reactor obtained 1020 mW m-2 of the highest maximum power density and 0.781 V of open circuit voltage. The excellent activity and low cost (0.2 g-1) of the hybrid materials demonstrate the potential of transition metal oxide/carbon as effective cathode ORR catalyst for microbial fuel cells. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

  19. Visible light driven mineralization of spiramycin over photostructured N-doped TiO2 on up conversion phosphors.

    PubMed

    Sacco, Olga; Vaiano, Vincenzo; Sannino, Diana; Ciambelli, Paolo

    2017-04-01

    A novel visible light-active photocatalyst formulation (NdT/OP) was obtained by supporting N-doped TiO 2 (NdT) particles on up-conversion luminescent organic phosphors (OP). The photocatalytic activity of such catalysts was evaluated for the mineralization process of spiramycin in aqueous solution. The effect of NdT loading in the range 15-60wt.% on bulk and surface characteristics of NdT/OP catalysts was investigated by several chemico-physical characterization techniques. The photocatalytic performance of NdT/OP catalysts in the removal of spyramicin from aqueous solution was assessed through photocatalytic tests under visible light irradiation. Total organic carbon (TOC) of aqueous solution, and CO and CO 2 gas concentrations evolved during the photodegradation were analyzed. A dramatic enhancement of photocatalytic activity of the photostructured visible active NdT/OP catalysts, compared to NdT catalyst, was observed. Only CO 2 was detected in gas-phase during visible light irradiation, proving that the photocatalytic process is effective in the mineralization of spiramycin, reaching very high values of TOC removal. The photocatalyst NdT/OP at 30wt.% of NdT loading showed the highest photocatalytic activity (58% of TOC removed after 180min irradiation against only 31% removal after 300min of irradiation of NdT). We attribute this enhanced activity to the high effectiveness in the utilization of visible light through improved light harvesting and exploiting. OP particles act as "photoactive support", able to be excited by the external visible light irradiation, and reissue luminescence of wavelength suitable to promote NdT photomineralization activity. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  20. Low cost heterogenous catalyst from (Achatina Fulica) snail shell and its application for biodiesel conversion via microwave irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fatimah, Is; Kurniastuti, E. A.; Basthiani, I. A.; Fakhri, A.

    2017-11-01

    Research on preparation of heterogenous catalyst from Achatina Fulica snail shell and its application biodiesel conversion has been investigation. Research aimed to obtain low cost and reusable catalyst for biodiesel production. The catalyst was prepared by grinding and calcining the snail shell at 900°C for 2 hours. The obtained solid was analysed by using XRD, SEM-EDX. FTIR, and also basicity measurement. Catalyst was used in the cenvertion of rice bran oil transesterification at varied volume of oil methanol ratio of 20-80 under microwave and reflux methode. The transesterification result were analyzed by using GCMS.

  1. Catalyst, method of making, and reactions using the catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Tonkovich, Anna Lee Y [Pasco, WA; Wang, Yong [Richland, WA; Gao, Yufei [Kennewick, WA

    2009-03-03

    The present invention includes a catalyst having a layered structure with, (1) a porous support, (2) a buffer layer, (3) an interfacial layer, and optionally (4) a catalyst layer. The invention also provides a process in which a reactant is converted to a product by passing through a reaction chamber containing the catalyst.

  2. Catalyst, method of making, and reactions using the catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Tonkovich, Anna Lee Y [Pasco, WA; Wang, Yong [Richland, WA; Gao, Yufei [Kennewick, WA

    2002-08-27

    The present invention includes a catalyst having a layered structure with, (1) a porous support, (2) a buffer layer, (3) an interfacial layer, and optionally (4) a catalyst layer. The invention also provides a process in which a reactant is converted to a product by passing through a reaction chamber containing the catalyst.

  3. Catalyst, Method Of Making, And Reactions Using The Catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Tonkovich, Anna Lee Y.; Wang, Yong; Gao, Yufei

    2004-07-13

    The present invention includes a catalyst having a layered structure with, (1) a porous support, (2) a buffer layer, (3) an interfacial layer, and optionally (4) a catalyst layer. The invention also provides a process in which a reactant is converted to a product by passing through a reaction chamber containing the catalyst.

  4. Doped palladium containing oxidation catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Mohajeri, Nahid

    2014-02-18

    A supported oxidation catalyst includes a support having a metal oxide or metal salt, and mixed metal particles thereon. The mixed metal particles include first particles including a palladium compound, and second particles including a precious metal group (PMG) metal or PMG metal compound, wherein the PMG metal is not palladium. The oxidation catalyst may also be used as a gas sensor.

  5. Hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1,4-butanediol over rhenium catalyst supported on copper-containing mesoporous carbon.

    PubMed

    Hong, Ung Gi; Park, Hai Woong; Lee, Joongwon; Hwang, Sunhwan; Kwak, Jimin; Yi, Jongheop; Song, In Kyu

    2013-11-01

    Copper-containing mesoporous carbon (Cu-MC) was prepared by a single-step surfactant-templating method. For comparison, copper-impregnated mesoporous carbon (Cu/MC) was also prepared by a surfactant-templating method and a subsequent impregnation method. Rhenium catalysts supported on copper-containing mesoporous carbon and copper-impregnated mesoporous carbon (Re/Cu-MC and Re/Cu/MC, respectively) were then prepared by an incipient wetness method, and they were applied to the liquid-phase hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1,4-butanediol (BDO). It was observed that copper in the Re/Cu-MC catalyst was well incorporated into carbon framework, resulting in higher surface area and larger pore volume than those of Re/Cu/MC catalyst. Therefore, Re/Cu-MC catalyst showed higher copper dispersion than Re/Cu/MC catalyst, although both catalysts retained the same amounts of copper and rhenium. In the liquid-phase hydrogenation of succinic acid to BDO, Re/Cu-MC catalyst showed a better catalytic activity than Re/Cu/MC catalyst. Fine dispersion of copper in the Re/Cu-MC catalyst was responsible for its enhanced catalytic activity.

  6. Influence of various carbon nano-forms as supports for Pt catalyst on proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bharti, Abha; Cheruvally, Gouri

    2017-08-01

    In this study, we discuss the influence of various carbon supports for Pt on proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell performance. Here, Pt supported on various carbon nano-forms [Pt/carbon black (Pt/CB), Pt/single-walled carbon nanotubes (Pt/SWCNT), Pt/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Pt/MWCNT) and Pt/graphene (Pt/G)] are synthesized by a facile, single step, microwave-assisted, modified chemical reduction route. Their physical, chemical and electrochemical characteristics pertaining to oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic activity and stability in PEM fuel cell are studied in detail by various techniques and compared. The study shows that the different carbon supports does not significantly affect the Pt particle size during synthesis, but leads to different amount of defective sites in the carbon framework which influence both the availability of active metal nano-catalysts and metal-support interaction. In-situ electrochemical investigations reveal that the different carbon supports influence both ORR catalytic activity and stability of the catalyst. This is further corroborated by the demonstration of varying polarization characteristics on PEM fuel cell performance by different carbon supported Pt catalysts. This study reveals MWCNT as the most suitable carbon support for Pt catalyst, exhibiting high activity and stability for ORR in PEM fuel cell.

  7. Atomic level study of water-gas shift catalysts via transmission electron microscopy and x-ray spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akatay, Mehmed Cem

    Water-gas shift (WGS), CO + H2O ⇆ CO2 + H2 (DeltaH° = -41 kJ mol -1), is an industrially important reaction for the production of high purity hydrogen. Commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts are employed to accelerate this reaction, yet these catalysts suffer from certain drawbacks, including costly regeneration processes and sulfur poisoning. Extensive research is focused on developing new catalysts to replace the current technology. Supported noble metals stand out as promising candidates, yet comprise intricate nanostructures complicating the understanding of their working mechanism. In this study, the structure of the supported Pt catalysts is explored by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy. The effect of the supporting phase and the use of secondary metals on the reaction kinetics is investigated. Structural heterogeneities are quantified and correlated with the kinetic descriptors of the catalysts to develop a fundamental understanding of the catalytic mechanism. The effect of the reaction environment on catalyst structure is examined by in-situ techniques. This study benefitted greatly from the use of model catalysts that provide a convenient medium for the atomic level characterization of nanostructures. Based on these studies, Pt supported on iron oxide nano islands deposited on inert spherical alumina exhibited 48 times higher WGS turnover rate (normalized by the total Pt surface area) than Pt supported on bulk iron oxide. The rate of aqueous phase glycerol reforming reaction of Pt supported on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is promoted by co-impregnating with cobalt. The synthesis resulted in a variety of nanostructures among which Pt-Co bimetallic nanoparticles are found to be responsible for the observed promotion. The unprecedented WGS rate of Pt supported on Mo2C is explored by forming Mo 2C patches on top of MWCNTs and the rate promotion is found to be caused by the Pt-Mo bimetallic entities.

  8. Oxidative coupling of methane over SrO deposited on different commercial supports precoated with La{sub 2}O{sub 3}

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Choudhary, V.R.; Mulla, S.A.R.; Uphade, B.S.

    1998-06-01

    The influence of catalyst carrier or support (with different chemical compositions and surface properties), catalyst deposition method (viz., impregnation and coating), precursor for strontium oxide (SrO; Sr-nitrate, acetate, hydroxide, and carbonate), and loading of SrO and lanthanum oxide (La{sub 2}O{sub 3}; 0--25 wt%) on the surface properties and performance of catalyst in oxidative coupling of methane (OCM; at 850 C, gas hourly space velocity = 1.02 {times} 10{sup 5} cm{sup 3}/g{center_dot}h and CH{sub 4}/O{sub 2} = 4 or 16) was thoroughly investigated. The basicity, acidity, and O{sub 2} chemisorption of the catalysts were studied by the temperature programmed desorption (TPD)more » of CO{sub 2}, NH{sub 3}, and O{sub 2}, respectively, from 50 to 950 C. The total and strong basic sites, acidity, and OCM activity of the supported catalyst were strongly influenced by the support used and also by the La{sub 2}O{sub 3} loading on the support. The catalyst with a sintered low surface area porous silica-Alumina support and high (20 wt%) La{sub 2}O{sub 3} and SrO loadings showed the best performance in the OCM process. The OCM activity was influenced by SrO loading, but to a smaller extent, and also by the method of SrO deposition. The OCM activity of the supported catalysts could be related to their strong basic sites (measured in terms of the CO{sub 2} desorbed between 500 and 950 C).« less

  9. Synthesis, characterization, and activity of Co/Fe alumina/silica supported Ft catalysts and the study of promoter effect of ruthenium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Esumike, Sunday Azubike

    The alumina and hybrid alumina-silica FT catalyst were prepared by one-step solgel/oil-drop methods using metal-nitrate-solutions (method-I), and nanoparticle-metaloxides (method-2). The nanoparticle-metal-oxides did not participate in solubility equilibria in contrast to metal nitrate in method-1 causing no metal ion seepage; therefore, method-2 yields higher XRF metal loading efficiency than method-1. The thermal analysis confirmed that the metal loading by method-1 and method-2 involved two different pathways. Method-1 involves solubility equilibria in the conversion of metal-nitrate to metal- hydroxide and finally to metal-oxide, while in method-2 nanoparticle-metal-oxide remained intact during sol-gel-oil-drop and calcination steps. The alumina supported catalysts were dominated by gamma-alumina PXRD peaks in alumina catalysts while amorphous alumino-silicate phase was the bulk of hybrid alumina-silica catalysts. The presence of cobalt oxides (CoO, Co3O4) and iron oxides (FeO, Fe2O3) phases are confirmed in the catalysts prepared by method-1 and method-2. The PXRD analysis indicated weak peak intensities in catalysts with 5 wt. % total metal loading. PXRD pattern confirmed alloy formation in the bimetallic catalysts (CoFe2O4) on alumina support phase gamma-A12 O3. The surface area and pore diameter of hybrid alumina-silica granules (301 - 372 m2/g and 7.3 nm) showed better values than the alumina granules (251 - 256 m2/g and 6.5 nm). The support pore diameter of both types of granules is within the mesoporous range (1 - 50 nm). The morphology of all the catalysts is preserved upon metal loading and heat treatments. The surface characteristics of the sol-gel-oil-drop method prepared catalysts indicate there was no significant pore blockage of the support below 10 wt % total metal loading. The CO conversion of the FT catalysts was measured to screen catalytic active metals and determine the optimum temperatures of the FT reaction for the alumina catalysts. The alumina FT catalysts showed an optimum reaction temperature of 250 °C. Hydrocarbon production and CO conversion of alumina and hybrid alumina-silica FT catalysts were investigated. Among monometallic alumina catalysts, Co(5%) showed a higher CO conversion. The incorporation of Fe to Co increased CO conversion and hydrocarbon production. Increased Fe content in the bimetallic catalysts prepared by combined method-1&2, decreased CO conversion and hydrocarbon production, and increased CO 2 production. The bimetallic nano-Co(2.5%)nano-Fe(2.5%) prepared by method-2 alone showed higher CO conversion comparable to the Co(4%)nano-Fe(l %). Hybrid alumina-silica FT catalysts showed a higher CO conversion than the alumina FT catalysts due to better surface characteristics. The monometallic catalysts showed higher selectivity to C1-C4 hydrocarbon than bimetallic. The bimetallic alumina FT catalysts prepared by method-2 showed slightly higher C5+ selectivity compared to the higher Co catalysts prepared by combined method- I &2. The Ru promotion showed a significant effect on the CO conversion and 11 product distribution of the monometallic catalysts. There was no significant effect on the CO conversion on the (Co-Fe) bimetallic catalysts, but hydrocarbon production slightly increased when promoted by 0.5 wt.% Ru.

  10. Comparative study of different carbon-supported Fe2O3-Pt catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction.

    PubMed

    Tellez-Cruz, M M; Padilla-Islas, M A; Pérez-González, M; Solorza-Feria, O

    2017-11-01

    One of the challenges in electrocatalysis is the adequate dispersion of the catalyst on an appropriate porous support matrix, being up to now the most commonly used the carbon-based supports. To overcome this challenge, carbon supports must first be functionalized to guide the catalyst's nucleation, thereby, improving the dispersion and allowing the use of smaller amount of the catalyst material to achieve a higher electrochemically active surface area. This study present the effect of functionalized Vulcan carbon XC72 (FVC) and functionalized Black Pearl carbon (FBPC) as supports on the catalytic activity of decorated Fe 2 O 3 with Pt. Both carbons were functionalized with HNO 3 and subsequently treated with ethanolamine. Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction and decorated with platinum by epitaxial growth. Pt and Fe 2 O 3 structural phases were identified by XRD and XPS; the Pt content was measured by XPS, and results showed to a high Pt content in Fe 2 O 3 -Pt/FBPC. TEM micrographs reveal nanoparticles with an average size of 2 nm in both supported catalysts. The Fe 2 O 3 -Pt/FVC catalyst presents the highest specific activity and mass activity, 0.21 mA cm -2 Pt and 140 mA mg Pt -1 , respectively, associated to the appropriate distribution of platinum on the Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles.

  11. Carbon nanotube synthesis with different support materials and catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gümüş, Fatih; Yuca, Neslihan; Karatepe, Nilgün

    2013-09-01

    Having remarkable characteristics, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted a lot of interest. Their mechanical, electrical, thermal and chemical properties make CNTs suitable for several applications such as electronic devices, hydrogen storage, textile, drug delivery etc. CNTs have been synthesized by various methods, such as arc discharge, laser ablation and catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD). In comparison with the other techniques, CCVD is widely used as it offers a promising route for mass production. High capability of decomposing hydrocarbon formation is desired for the selected catalysts. Therefore, transition metals which are in the nanometer scale are the most effective catalysts. The common transition metals that are being used are Fe, Co, Ni and their binary alloys. The impregnation of the catalysts over the support material has a crucial importance for the CNT production. In this study, the influence of the support materials on the catalytic activity of metals was investigated. CNTs have been synthesized over alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2) and magnesium oxide (MgO) supported Fe, Co, Fe-Co catalysts. Catalyst - support material combinations have been investigated and optimum values for each were compared. Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were produced at 800°C. The duration of synthesis was 30 minutes for all support materials. The synthesized materials were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

  12. Microenvironment effects in electrocatalysis: ionic-liquid-like coating on carbon nanotubes enhances the Pd-electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation.

    PubMed

    Li, Shuwen; Dong, Zhengping; Yang, Honglei; Guo, Shujing; Gou, Galian; Ren, Ren; Zhu, Zhejun; Jin, Jun; Ma, Jiantai

    2013-02-11

    A new catalyst consisting of ionic liquid (IL)-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) obtained through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition support-enhanced electrocatalytic Pd nanoparticles (Pd@IL(Cl(-))-CNTs) was successfully fabricated and applied in direct ethanol alkaline fuel cells. The morphology, structure, component and stability of Pd@IL(Cl(-))-CNTs were systematic characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The new catalyst exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity, better tolerance and electrochemical stability than the Pd nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized on CNTs (Pd@CNTs), which was ascribed to the effects of the IL, larger electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), and greater processing performance. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) at various scan rates illustrated that the oxidation behaviors of ethanol at all electrodes were controlled by diffusion processes. The investigation of the different counteranions demonstrated that the performance of the IL-CNTs hybrid material was profoundly influenced by the subtly varied structures of the IL moiety. All the results indicated that the Pd@IL(Cl(-))-CNTs catalyst is an efficient anode catalyst, which has potential applications in direct ethanol fuel cells and the strategy of IL functionalization of CNTs could be available to prepare other carbonaceous carrier supports to enhance the dispersivity, stability, and catalytic performance of metal NPs as well. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Subnanometer and nanometer catalysts, method for preparing size-selected catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Vajda, Stefan , Pellin, Michael J.; Elam, Jeffrey W [Elmhurst, IL; Marshall, Christopher L [Naperville, IL; Winans, Randall A [Downers Grove, IL; Meiwes-Broer, Karl-Heinz [Roggentin, GR

    2012-04-03

    Highly uniform cluster based nanocatalysts supported on technologically relevant supports were synthesized for reactions of top industrial relevance. The Pt-cluster based catalysts outperformed the very best reported ODHP catalyst in both activity (by up to two orders of magnitude higher turn-over frequencies) and in selectivity. The results clearly demonstrate that highly dispersed ultra-small Pt clusters precisely localized on high-surface area supports can lead to affordable new catalysts for highly efficient and economic propene production, including considerably simplified separation of the final product. The combined GISAXS-mass spectrometry provides an excellent tool to monitor the evolution of size and shape of nanocatalyst at action under realistic conditions. Also provided are sub-nanometer gold and sub-nanometer to few nm size-selected silver catalysts which possess size dependent tunable catalytic properties in the epoxidation of alkenes. Invented size-selected cluster deposition provides a unique tool to tune material properties by atom-by-atom fashion, which can be stabilized by protective overcoats.

  14. Subnanometer and nanometer catalysts, method for preparing size-selected catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Vajda, Stefan [Lisle, IL; Pellin, Michael J [Naperville, IL; Elam, Jeffrey W [Elmhurst, IL; Marshall, Christopher L [Naperville, IL; Winans, Randall A [Downers Grove, IL; Meiwes-Broer, Karl-Heinz [Roggentin, GR

    2012-03-27

    Highly uniform cluster based nanocatalysts supported on technologically relevant supports were synthesized for reactions of top industrial relevance. The Pt-cluster based catalysts outperformed the very best reported ODHP catalyst in both activity (by up to two orders of magnitude higher turn-over frequencies) and in selectivity. The results clearly demonstrate that highly dispersed ultra-small Pt clusters precisely localized on high-surface area supports can lead to affordable new catalysts for highly efficient and economic propene production, including considerably simplified separation of the final product. The combined GISAXS-mass spectrometry provides an excellent tool to monitor the evolution of size and shape of nanocatalyst at action under realistic conditions. Also provided are sub-nanometer gold and sub-nanometer to few nm size-selected silver catalysts which possess size dependent tunable catalytic properties in the epoxidation of alkenes. Invented size-selected cluster deposition provides a unique tool to tune material properties by atom-by-atom fashion, which can be stabilized by protective overcoats.

  15. Highly porous non-precious bimetallic electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution

    DOE PAGES

    Lu, Qi; Hutchings, Gregory S.; Yu, Weiting; ...

    2015-03-16

    One of the key components of carbon dioxide-free hydrogen production is a robust and efficient non-precious metal catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. We report that a hierarchical nanoporous copper-titanium bimetallic electrocatalyst is able to produce hydrogen from water under a mild overpotential at more than twice the rate of state-of-the- art carbon-supported platinum catalyst. Although both copper and titanium are known to be poor hydrogen evolution catalysts, the combination of these two elements creates unique copper-copper-titanium hollow sites, which have a hydrogen-binding energy very similar to that of platinum, resulting in an exceptional hydrogen evolution activity. Moreover, the hierarchicalmore » porosity of the nanoporous-copper titanium catalyst also contributes to its high hydrogen evolution activity, because it provides a large-surface area for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and improves the mass transport properties. Moreover, the catalyst is self-supported, eliminating the overpotential associated with the catalyst/support interface.« less

  16. Well-dispersed Pt cubes on porous Cu foam: high-performance catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of glucose in neutral media.

    PubMed

    Niu, Xiangheng; Lan, Minbo; Zhao, Hongli; Chen, Chen

    2013-07-15

    The investigation of highly efficient catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of glucose is the most critical challenge to commercialize nonenzymatic glucose sensors, which display a few attractive superiorities including the sufficient stability of their properties and the desired reproducibility of results over enzyme electrodes. Herein we propose a new and very promising catalyst: Pt cubes well-dispersed on the porous Cu foam, for the the electrochemical oxidation reaction of glucose in neutral media. The catalyst is fabricated in situ on a homemade screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) substrate through initially synthesizing the three-dimensional (3D) porous Cu foam using a hydrogen evolution assisted electrodeposition strategy, followed by electrochemically reducing the platinic precursor simply and conveniently. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) proofs demonstrate that Pt cubes, with an average size (the distance of opposite faces) of 185.1 nm, highly dispersed on the macro/nanopore integrated Cu foam support can be reproducibly obtained. The results of electrochemical tests indicate that the cubic Pt-based catalyst exhibits significant enhancement on the catalytic activity towards the electrooxidation of glucose in the presence of chloride ions, providing a specific activity 6.7 times and a mass activity 5.3 times those of commercial Pt/C catalysts at -0.4 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). In addition, the proposed catalyst shows excellent stability of performance, with only a 2.8% loss of electrocatalytic activity after 100 repetitive measurements. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Liquefaction Of Coal With Surfactant And Disposable Catalyst

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hickey, Gregory S.; Sharma, Pramod K.

    1996-01-01

    Fuels derived from coal more competitive with petroleum products. Improved coal-liquefaction process exploits synergistic effects of disposable iron oxide catalyst and cheap anionic surfactant. Efficiency of conversion achieved in significantly higher than efficiencies obtained with addition of either surfactant or catalyst alone. No costly pretreatment necessary, and increase in conversion achieved under processing conditions milder than those used heretofore in liquefaction of coal. Quality of distillates obtained after liquefaction in process expected superior to distillates obtained after liquefaction by older techniques.

  18. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ahn, Sol; Thornburg, Nicholas E.; Li, Zhanyong

    In this study by developing structurally well-defined, supported oxide catalysts remains a significant challenge. Here, we report the grafting of Nb(V) oxide sites onto the nodes of the Zr-based metal organic framework (MOF) NU-1000 as a stable, well-defined catalyst support. Nb(V) oxide was deposited with loadings up to 1.6 mmol/g via two post-synthetic methods: atomic layer deposition in a MOF (AIM), and solution-phase grafting in a MOF (SIM). Difference envelope density (DED) measurements indicated that the two synthetic methods resulted in different local structures of the Nb(V) ions within NU-1000. Despite their high Nb(V) loadings, which were equivalent to >60%more » surface coverage, nearly all Nb(V) sites of the MOF-supported catalysts were active sites for alkene epoxidation, as confirmed by phenylphosphonic acid titration. The MOF-supported catalysts were more selective than the control Nb-ZrO 2 catalyst for cyclohexene epoxidation with aqueous H 2O 2, and were far more active on a gravimetric basis.« less

  19. Carbon nanocages: A new support material for Pt catalyst with remarkably high durability

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Xiao Xia; Tan, Zhe Hua; Zeng, Min; Wang, Jian Nong

    2014-01-01

    Low durability is the major challenge hindering the large-scale implementation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, and corrosion of carbon support materials of current catalysts is the main cause. Here, we describe the finding of remarkably high durability with the use of a novel support material. This material is based on hollow carbon nanocages developed with a high degree of graphitization and concurrent nitrogen doping for oxidation resistance enhancement, uniform deposition of fine Pt particles, and strong Pt-support interaction. Accelerated degradation testing shows that such designed catalyst possesses a superior electrochemical activity and long-term stability for both hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction relative to industry benchmarks of current catalysts. Further testing under conditions of practical fuel cell operation reveals almost no degradation over long-term cycling. Such a catalyst of high activity, particularly, high durability, opens the door for the next-generation PEMFC for “real world” application. PMID:24658614

  20. Nickel supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as hydrogen oxidation reaction catalyst in alkaline electrolyte

    DOE PAGES

    Zhuang, Zhongbin; Giles, Stephen A.; Zheng, Jie; ...

    2016-01-14

    The development of a low-cost, high-performance platinum-group-metal-free hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cell is hindered by the lack of a hydrogen oxidation reaction catalyst at the anode. Here we report that a composite catalyst, nickel nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes, has hydrogen oxidation activity similar to platinum-group metals in alkaline electrolyte. Although nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes are a very poor hydrogen oxidation catalyst, as a support, it increases the catalytic performance of nickel nanoparticles by a factor of 33 (mass activity) or 21 (exchange current density) relative to unsupported nickel nanoparticles. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the nitrogen-doped support stabilizesmore » the nanoparticle against reconstruction, while nitrogen located at the edge of the nanoparticle tunes local adsorption sites by affecting the d-orbitals of nickel. Here, owing to its high activity and low cost, our catalyst shows significant potential for use in low-cost, high-performance fuel cells.« less

  1. Nickel supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as hydrogen oxidation reaction catalyst in alkaline electrolyte

    PubMed Central

    Zhuang, Zhongbin; Giles, Stephen A.; Zheng, Jie; Jenness, Glen R.; Caratzoulas, Stavros; Vlachos, Dionisios G.; Yan, Yushan

    2016-01-01

    The development of a low-cost, high-performance platinum-group-metal-free hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cell is hindered by the lack of a hydrogen oxidation reaction catalyst at the anode. Here we report that a composite catalyst, nickel nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes, has hydrogen oxidation activity similar to platinum-group metals in alkaline electrolyte. Although nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes are a very poor hydrogen oxidation catalyst, as a support, it increases the catalytic performance of nickel nanoparticles by a factor of 33 (mass activity) or 21 (exchange current density) relative to unsupported nickel nanoparticles. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the nitrogen-doped support stabilizes the nanoparticle against reconstruction, while nitrogen located at the edge of the nanoparticle tunes local adsorption sites by affecting the d-orbitals of nickel. Owing to its high activity and low cost, our catalyst shows significant potential for use in low-cost, high-performance fuel cells. PMID:26762466

  2. RuO2 supported NaY zeolite catalysts: Effect of preparation methods on catalytic performance during aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jung, Dasom; Lee, Sunwoo; Na, Kyungsu

    2017-10-01

    The effects of preparation method for RuO2 supported zeolite catalysts on the catalytic consequences during the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde were investigated. Three preparation methods, i.e., (i) simultaneous crystallization of the zeolite framework in the presence of RuCl3 (Ru(SC)/NaY), (ii) post ion-exchange with RuCl3 on the zeolite framework (Ru(IE)/NaY), and (iii) post support of preformed Ru metal nanoparticles on the zeolite surface (Ru(PS)/NaY), were used to construct three different RuO2 supported NaY zeolite catalysts. The catalyst performance was investigated as functions of the reaction time and temperature, in correlation with the structural changes of the catalysts, as analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed that the catalytic consequences were dramatically affected by the preparation methods. Although similar conversion was achieved with all three catalysts, the turnover frequency (TOF) differed. The Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst exhibited the highest TOF (33-48 h-1), whereas the other catalysts produced much lower TOFs (9-12 h-1). The Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst also had the highest activation energy (Ea) of 48.39 kJ mol-1, whereas the Ru(SC)/NaY and Ru(IE)/NaY catalysts had Ea values of 18.58 and 24.11 kJ mol-1, respectively. Notably, the Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst yielded a significantly higher pre-exponential factor of 5.22 × 105 h-1, which is about 5 orders of magnitude larger than that of the Ru(SC)/NaY catalyst (7.15 × 100 h-1). This suggests that collision between benzyl alcohol and molecular oxygen was very intensive on the Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst, which explains the higher TOF of the Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst relative to the others in spite of the higher Ea value of the former. In terms of recyclability, the pristine crystallinity of the zeolite framework was maintained in the Ru(SC)/NaY catalyst and the RuO2 phase exhibited an insignificant loss of the initial activity up to three catalytic cycles, whereas Ru(PS)/NaY showed slight loss of activity and Ru(IE)/NaY showed a significant loss of activity due to the disappearance of the RuO2 phase.

  3. Supporting technology for the development of Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Li, Ku-Yen; Yaws, Carl L.; Simon, William E.; Mei, Harry T.

    1995-01-01

    To support the development of Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) in the space program, a metabolic simulator has been selected for use in a closed chamber to test functions of the CELSS. This metabolic simulator is a catalytic reactor which oxidizes the methyl acetate to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor. In this project, kinetic studies of catalytic oxidation of methyl acetate were conducted using monolithic and pellet catalysts with 0.5% (by weight) platinum (Pt) on aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The reaction was studied at a pressure of one atmosphere and at temperatures varying from 160 C to 420 C. By-products were identified at the exit of the preheater and reactor. For the kinetic study with the monolithic catalyst, a linear regression method was used to correlate the kinetic data with zero-order, first-order and Langmuir-Hinshelwood models. Results indicate that the first-order model represents the data adequately at low concentrations of methyl acetate. For higher concentrations of methyl acetate, the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model best represents the kinetic data. Both rate constant and adsorption equilibrium constants were estimated from the regression. A Taguchi orthogonal array (L(sub 9)) was used to investigate the effects of temperature, flow rate, and concentration on the catalytic oxidation of methyl acetate. For the monolithic catalyst, temperature exerts the most significant effect, followed by concentration of methyl acetate. For the pellet catalyst, reaction temperature is the most significant factor, followed by gas flow rate and methyl acetate concentration. Concentrations of either carbon dioxide or oxygen were seen to have insignificant effect on the methyl acetate conversion process. Experimental results indicate that the preheater with glass beads can accomplish thermal cracking and catalytic reaction of methyl acetate to produce acetic acid, methanol, methyl formate, and 1-propanol. The concentration of all by-products was measured in ppmv (parts per million by volume). At higher temperatures, greater amounts of these products are produced, as expected. In all cases, methanol was the predominant concentration detected, followed by methyl formate. At temperatures lower than 320 C for the P-type monolithic catalyst, methanol, acetic acid, and acetone were detected, whereas, for the E-type monolithic catalyst, only methanol was detected at 160 C. Both P and E types of the monolithic catalyst were specified with the same substrates (ceramic), washcoat (Al2O3), and promoter (Pt). However, the manufacturing and treatment procedures were quite different. It was therefore concluded that the performance of the E-type monolithic catalyst is superior to that of the P-type for oxidation of methyl acetate. At higher reaction temperatures, e.g., above 420 C, all reactants and byproducts were completely oxidized using these two types of monolithic catalyst to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor. A complex heterogenous catalytic reaction mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of the byproducts (methanol, acetic acid, and methyl formate) as the methyl acetate traveled through the preheater packed with glass beads. The by-product, 1-propanol, may be formed only through a homogeneous reaction, since it is difficult to develop a reasonable sequence of heterogeneous reaction steps to explain its formation. The homogeneous thermal decomposition of methyl acetate to form free radicals was proposed to explain the formation of 1-propanol, and also methanol, in the preheater. A dual-site catalytic reaction mechanism was proposed for the oxidation of methyl acetate over Pt/Al2O3 monolithic catalyst. The dual-site mechanism describes the chemisorption of oxygen molecules as well as a physical adsorption of methyl acetate on the active sites. On the active sites, methyl acetate is oxidized rapidly to form carbon dioxide and water vapor. A rate equation derived from this mechanism gives the Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate formula which has been observed from the experimental data obtained in this project for high methyl acetate concentration (greater than 1000 ppmv) over a monolithic catalyst. If the oxygen concentration is very high and methyl acetate concentration is very low, the reaction rate equation is then reduced to a first-order with respect to methyl acetate concentration. The first-order model has also been observed from the experimental data obtained in this project for low methyl acetate concentration (less than 1000 ppmv).

  4. 3D polymer hydrogel for high-performance atomic iron-rich catalysts for oxygen reduction in acidic media

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Qiao, Zhi; Zhang, Hanguang; Karakalos, Stavros

    Current platinum group metal (PGM)-free carbon nanocomposite catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic electrolyte often suffer from rapid degradation associated with carbon corrosion due to the use of large amount of amorphoous carbon black supports. Here, we developed a new concept of using freestanding 3D hydrogel to design support-free Fe-N-C catalysts. A 3D polyaniline (PANI)-based hydrogel was used for preparing a new type of single atomic iron site-rich catalyst, which has exhibited exceptionally enhanced activity and stability compared to conventional Fe-N-C catalysts supported on amorphous carbon blacks. The achieved performance metric on the hydrogel PANI-Fe catalysts ismore » one of the best ever reported PGM-free catalysts, reaching a half-wave potential up to 0.83 V vs. RHE and only leaving 30 mV gap with Pt/C catalysts (60 μgPt/cm2) in challenging acidic media. Remarkable ORR stability was accomplished as well on the same catalyst evidenced by using harsh potential cycling tests. The well dispersion of atomic iron into partially graphitized carbon, featured with dominance of micropores and porous network structures, is capable of accommodating increased number of active sites, strengthening local bonding among iron, nitrogen and carbon, and facilitating mass transfer. The 3D polymer hydrogel approach would be a new pathway to advance PGM-free catalysts.« less

  5. 3D polymer hydrogel for high-performance atomic iron-rich catalysts for oxygen reduction in acidic media

    DOE PAGES

    Qiao, Zhi; Zhang, Hanguang; Karakalos, Stavros; ...

    2017-08-03

    Current platinum group metal (PGM)-free carbon nanocomposite catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic electrolyte often suffer from rapid degradation associated with carbon corrosion due to the use of large amount of amorphoous carbon black supports. Here, we developed a new concept of using freestanding 3D hydrogel to design support-free Fe-N-C catalysts. A 3D polyaniline (PANI)-based hydrogel was used for preparing a new type of single atomic iron site-rich catalyst, which has exhibited exceptionally enhanced activity and stability compared to conventional Fe-N-C catalysts supported on amorphous carbon blacks. The achieved performance metric on the hydrogel PANI-Fe catalysts ismore » one of the best ever reported PGM-free catalysts, reaching a half-wave potential up to 0.83 V vs. RHE and only leaving 30 mV gap with Pt/C catalysts (60 μgPt/cm2) in challenging acidic media. Remarkable ORR stability was accomplished as well on the same catalyst evidenced by using harsh potential cycling tests. The well dispersion of atomic iron into partially graphitized carbon, featured with dominance of micropores and porous network structures, is capable of accommodating increased number of active sites, strengthening local bonding among iron, nitrogen and carbon, and facilitating mass transfer. The 3D polymer hydrogel approach would be a new pathway to advance PGM-free catalysts.« less

  6. Method of Heating a Foam-Based Catalyst Bed

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fortini, Arthur J.; Williams, Brian E.; McNeal, Shawn R.

    2009-01-01

    A method of heating a foam-based catalyst bed has been developed using silicon carbide as the catalyst support due to its readily accessible, high surface area that is oxidation-resistant and is electrically conductive. The foam support may be resistively heated by passing an electric current through it. This allows the catalyst bed to be heated directly, requiring less power to reach the desired temperature more quickly. Designed for heterogeneous catalysis, the method can be used by the petrochemical, chemical processing, and power-generating industries, as well as automotive catalytic converters. Catalyst beds must be heated to a light-off temperature before they catalyze the desired reactions. This typically is done by heating the assembly that contains the catalyst bed, which results in much of the power being wasted and/or lost to the surrounding environment. The catalyst bed is heated indirectly, thus requiring excessive power. With the electrically heated catalyst bed, virtually all of the power is used to heat the support, and only a small fraction is lost to the surroundings. Although the light-off temperature of most catalysts is only a few hundred degrees Celsius, the electrically heated foam is able to achieve temperatures of 1,200 C. Lower temperatures are achievable by supplying less electrical power to the foam. Furthermore, because of the foam s open-cell structure, the catalyst can be applied either directly to the foam ligaments or in the form of a catalyst- containing washcoat. This innovation would be very useful for heterogeneous catalysis where elevated temperatures are needed to drive the reaction.

  7. Preparation, characterization, and testing of metal-doped carbon xerogels as catalyst for phenol CWAO.

    PubMed

    Pleşa Chicinaş, Raluca; Coteţ, L Cosmin; Măicăneanu, Andrada; Vasilescu, Mihai; Vulpoi, Adriana

    2017-01-01

    Co-, Ce-, and Ni-doped carbon xerogels (Me-CX) synthesized by sol-gel method followed by an ion exchange process were used as catalysts for catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol. The prepared catalysts were characterized using TEM, SEM, BET surface area, and XRD. Me-CX catalysts were tested in mild conditions (20-60 °C, atmospheric pressure) in a semi-batch reactor in various reaction conditions (30-60 L/h, 0.05-0.2 g catalysts, 50-175 mg phenol/L). Total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency values obtained decrease in the following order Co-CX ≅ Ce-CX > Ni1-CX > K-CX for the catalysts obtained using the same procedure. TOC removal efficiencies of up to 72% were reached in case of Co-CX catalyst at 20 °C, 40 L/h, using 0.15 g catalyst and a solution of 100 mg phenol/L.

  8. Sputter-deposited fuel cell membranes and electrodes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Narayanan, Sekharipuram R. (Inventor); Jeffries-Nakamura, Barbara (Inventor); Chun, William (Inventor); Ruiz, Ron P. (Inventor); Valdez, Thomas I. (Inventor)

    2001-01-01

    A method for preparing a membrane for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of providing an electrolyte membrane, and sputter-depositing a catalyst onto the electrolyte membrane. The sputter-deposited catalyst may be applied to multiple sides of the electrolyte membrane. A method for forming an electrode for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of obtaining a catalyst, obtaining a backing, and sputter-depositing the catalyst onto the backing. The membranes and electrodes are useful for assembling fuel cells that include an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a fuel supply, and an electrolyte membrane, wherein the electrolyte membrane includes a sputter-deposited catalyst, and the sputter-deposited catalyst is effective for sustaining a voltage across a membrane electrode assembly in the fuel cell.

  9. Steam reforming of fuel to hydrogen in fuel cells

    DOEpatents

    Fraioli, Anthony V.; Young, John E.

    1984-01-01

    A fuel cell capable of utilizing a hydrocarbon such as methane as fuel and having an internal dual catalyst system within the anode zone, the dual catalyst system including an anode catalyst supporting and in heat conducting relationship with a reforming catalyst with heat for the reforming reaction being supplied by the reaction at the anode catalyst.

  10. Towards the Rational Design of Nanoparticle Catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dash, Priyabrat

    This research is focused on development of routes towards the rational design of nanoparticle catalysts. Primarily, it is focused on two main projects; (1) the use of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as greener media for the design of quasi-homogeneous nanoparticle catalysts and (2) the rational design of heterogeneous-supported nanoparticle catalysts from structured nanoparticle precursors. Each project has different studies associated with the main objective of the design of nanoparticle catalysts. In the first project, imidazolium-based ionic liquids have been used for the synthesis of nanoparticle catalysts. In particular, studies on recyclability, reuse, mode-of-stability, and long-term stability of these ionic-liquid supported nanoparticle catalysts have been done; all of which are important factors in determining the overall "greenness" of such synthetic routes. Three papers have been published/submitted for this project. In the first publication, highly stable polymer-stabilized Au, Pd and bimetallic Au-Pd nanoparticle catalysts have been synthesized in imidazolium-based 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF6) ionic liquid (Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical, 2008, 286, 114). The resulting nanoparticles were found to be effective and selective quasi-homogeneous catalysts towards a wide-range of hydrogenation reactions and the catalyst solution was reused for further catalytic reactions with minimal loss in activity. The synthesis of very pure and clean ILs has allowed a platform to study the effects of impurities in the imidazolium ILs on nanoparticle stability. In a later study, a new mode of stabilization was postulated where the presence of low amounts of 1-methylimidazole has substantial effects on the resulting stability of Au and Pd-Au nanoparticles in these ILs (Chemical Communications, 2009, 812). In further continuation of this study, a comparative study involving four stabilization protocols for nanoparticle stabilization in BMIMPF6 IL is described, and have shown that nanoparticle stability and catalytic activity of nanoparticles is dependent on the overall stability of the nanoparticles towards aggregation (manuscript submitted). The second major project is focused on synthesizing structurally well-defined supported catalysts by incorporating the nanoparticle precursors (both alloy and core shell) into oxide frameworks (TiO2 and Al2O 3), and examining their structure-property relationships and catalytic activity. a full article has been published on this project (Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2009, 113, 12719) in which a route to rationally design supported catalysts from structured nanoparticle precursors with precise control over size, composition, and internal structure of the nanoparticles has been shown. In a continuation of this methodology for the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts, efforts were carried out to apply the same methodology in imidazolium-based ILs as a one-pot media for the synthesis of supported-nanoparticle heterogeneous catalysts via the trapping of pre-synthesized nanoparticles into porous inorganic oxide materials. Nanoparticle catalysts in highly porous titania supports were synthesized using this methodology (manuscript to be submitted).

  11. Application of 2-cyanoethyl N,N,N',N'-tetraisopropylphosphorodiamidite for in situ preparation of deoxyribonucleoside phosphoramidites and their use in polymer-supported synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides.

    PubMed Central

    Nielsen, J; Taagaard, M; Marugg, J E; van Boom, J H; Dahl, O

    1986-01-01

    Deoxyribonucleoside phosphoramidites are prepared in situ from 5'-O,N-protected deoxyribonucleosides and 2-cyanoethyl N,N,N',N'-tetraisopropylphosphorodiamidite with tetrazole as catalyst, and the solutions applied directly on an automatic solid-phase DNA synthesizer. Using LCAA-CPG support and a cycle time of 12.5 min, oligonucleotides of 16-25 bases are obtained with a DMT-efficiency per cycle of 98.0-99.3%. The crude and fully deblocked products are of a purity comparable to that obtained using purified phosphoramidites. In case of d(G)16 the product was difficult to analyse and a better product was not obtained using doubly protected (O-6 diphenylcarbamoyl) guanine. PMID:3763407

  12. Chelating agent-assisted heat treatment of a carbon-supported iron oxide nanoparticle catalyst for PEMFC.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shyh-Jiun; Huang, Chia-Hung; Huang, Chun-Kai; Hwang, Weng-Sing

    2009-08-28

    Iron complexes were supported on commercial carbon black and heat treated to create FeO(x)/C catalysts that showed a larger normalized current density and normalized power density than commercial Pt/C catalysts; the coordination number of the iron complexes used affected the formation of the active site for oxygen reduction in PEMFC.

  13. Preparation and Characterization of NiMo/Al2O3Catalyst for Hydrocracking Processing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Widiyadi, Aditya; Guspiani, Gema Adil; Riady, Jeffry; Andreanto, Rikky; Chaiunnisa, Safina Dea; Widayat

    2018-02-01

    Hydrocracking is a chemical process used in petroleum refineries for converting high boiling hydrocarbons in petroleum crude oils to more valuable lower boiling products such as gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil that operate at high temperature and pressure. Catalyst was used in hydrocracking to reduce temperature and pressure. Hydrocracking catalyst are composed of active components and support. Alumina is widely used in hydrocracking process as catalyst support due to its high surface area, high thermal stability, and low prices. The objective of this research was preparated NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst that used as hydrocracking catalyst. Catalyst was synthesized by wetness impregnation method and simple heating method with various kind of Al2O3. The physicochemical properties of catalyst were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine type of crystal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine morphology of the catalyst. The NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst prepared by aluminium potassium sulfate dodecahydrate exhibited the highest crystallinity of 90.23% and it is clear that MoO3 and NiO crystallites are highly dispersed on the NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst which indicates as the best catalyst. The catalytic activity in hydrocracking process was successfully examined to convert fatty acid into hydrocarbon.

  14. In situ/operando studies for the production of hydrogen through the water-gas shift on metal oxide catalysts.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez, José A; Hanson, Jonathan C; Stacchiola, Dario; Senanayake, Sanjaya D

    2013-08-07

    In this perspective article, we show how a series of in situ techniques {X-ray diffraction (XRD), pair-distribution-function analysis (PDF), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS)} can be combined to perform detailed studies of the structural, electronic and chemical properties of metal oxide catalysts used for the production of hydrogen through the water-gas shift reaction (WGS, CO + H2O → H2 + CO2). Under reaction conditions most WGS catalysts undergo chemical transformations that drastically modify their composition with respect to that obtained during the synthesis process. Experiments of time-resolved in situ XRD, XAFS, and PDF indicate that the active phase of catalysts which combine Cu, Au or Pt with oxides such as ZnO, CeO2, TiO2, CeOx/TiO2 and Fe2O3 essentially involves nanoparticles of the reduced noble metals. The oxide support undergoes partial reduction and is not a simple spectator, facilitating the dissociation of water and in some cases modifying the chemical properties of the supported metal. Therefore, to optimize the performance of these catalysts one must take into consideration the properties of the metal and oxide phases. IR and AP-XPS have been used to study the reaction mechanism for the WGS on metal oxide catalysts. Data of IR spectroscopy indicate that formate species are not necessarily involved in the main reaction path for the water-gas shift on Cu-, Au- and Pt-based catalysts. Thus, a pure redox mechanism or associative mechanisms that involve either carbonate-like (CO3, HCO3) or carboxyl (HOCO) species should be considered. In the last two decades, there have been tremendous advances in our ability to study catalytic materials under reaction conditions and we are moving towards the major goal of fully understanding how the active sites for the production of hydrogen through the WGS actually work.

  15. Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous hydrocracking catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Munir, D.; Usman, M. R.

    2016-08-01

    Mesoporous catalysts have shown great prospective for catalytic reactions due to their high surface area that aids better distribution of impregnated metal. They have been found to contain more adsorption sites and controlled pore diameter. Hydrocracking, in the presence of mesoporous catalyst is considered more efficient and higher conversion of larger molecules is observed as compared to the cracking reactions in smaller microporous cavities of traditional zeolites. In the present study, a number of silica-alumina based mesoporous catalysts are synthesized in the laboratory. The concentration and type of surfactants and quantities of silica and alumina sources are the variables studied in the preparation of catalyst supports. The supports prepared are well characterized using SEM, EDX, and N2-BET techniques. Finally, the catalysts are tested in a high pressure autoclave reactor to study the activity and selectivity of the catalysts for the hydrocracking of a model mixture of plastics comprising of LDPE, HDPE, PP, and PS.

  16. Hydrazine Catalyst Production: Sustaining S-405 Technology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wucherer, E. J.; Cook, Timothy; Stiefel, Mark; Humphries, Randy, Jr.; Parker, Janet

    2003-01-01

    The development of the iridium-based Shell 405 catalyst for spontaneous decomposition of hydrazine was one of the key enabling technologies for today's spacecraft and launch vehicles. To ensure that this crucial technology was not lost when Shell elected to exit the business, Aerojet, supported by NASA, has developed a dedicated catalyst production facility that will supply catalyst for future spacecraft and launch vehicle requirements. We have undertaken a program to transfer catalyst production from Shell Chemical USA (Houston, TX) to Aerojet's Redmond, WA location. This technology transition was aided by Aerojet's 30 years of catalyst manufacturing experience and NASA diligence and support in sustaining essential technologies. The facility has produced and tested S-405 catalyst to existing Shell 405 specifications and standards. Our presentation will describe the technology transition effort including development of the manufacturing facility, capture of the manufacturing process, test equipment validation, initial batch build and final testing.

  17. ECUT: Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies program. Heterogeneous catalysis modeling program concept

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Voecks, G. E.

    1983-01-01

    Insufficient theoretical definition of heterogeneous catalysts is the major difficulty confronting industrial suppliers who seek catalyst systems which are more active, selective, and stable than those currently available. In contrast, progress was made in tailoring homogeneous catalysts to specific reactions because more is known about the reaction intermediates promoted and/or stabilized by these catalysts during the course of reaction. However, modeling heterogeneous catalysts on a microscopic scale requires compiling and verifying complex information on reaction intermediates and pathways. This can be achieved by adapting homogeneous catalyzed reaction intermediate species, applying theoretical quantum chemistry and computer technology, and developing a better understanding of heterogeneous catalyst system environments. Research in microscopic reaction modeling is now at a stage where computer modeling, supported by physical experimental verification, could provide information about the dynamics of the reactions that will lead to designing supported catalysts with improved selectivity and stability.

  18. Enhancement of Electrode Stability Using Platinum-Cobalt Nanocrystals on a Novel Composite SiCTiC Support.

    PubMed

    Millán, María; Zamora, Héctor; Rodrigo, Manuel A; Lobato, Justo

    2017-02-22

    PtCo alloy catalysts for high temperature PEMFCs (protonic exchange membrane fuel cells) were synthesized on a novel noncarbonaceous support (SiCTiC) using the impregnation method with NaBH 4 as the reducing agent at different synthesis temperatures to evaluate the effect of this variable on their physicochemical and electrochemical properties. The catalysts were characterized by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray,and temperature-programmed reduction. In addition, the electrochemical characterization (i.e., cyclic voltammetry, oxygen reduction reaction, and chronoamperometry) was carried out with a rotating disk electrode. For the cyclic voltammetry investigation, 400 cycles were performed in hot phosphoric acid and a half-cell to evaluate the stability of the synthesized catalysts. The catalyst synthesized on SiCTiC exhibited excellent durability compared to the catalyst synthesized on a Vulcan support. In addition, all synthesized catalysts exhibited better catalytic activity than that of the PtCo/C catalysts. The best results were observed for the catalyst synthesized at 80 °C due to its shorter Pt-Pt nearest-neighbor and higher alloy degree. Finally, a preliminary stability test was conducted in an HT-PEMFC, and promising results in terms of stability and performance were observed.

  19. Highly efficient and durable TiN nanofiber electrocatalyst supports.

    PubMed

    Kim, Hyun; Cho, Min Kyung; Kwon, Jeong An; Jeong, Yeon Hun; Lee, Kyung Jin; Kim, Na Young; Kim, Min Jung; Yoo, Sung Jong; Jang, Jong Hyun; Kim, Hyoung-Juhn; Nam, Suk Woo; Lim, Dong-Hee; Cho, EunAe; Lee, Kwan-Young; Kim, Jin Young

    2015-11-28

    To date, carbon-based materials including various carbon nanostructured materials have been extensively used as an electrocatalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications due to their practical nature. However, carbon dissolution or corrosion caused by high electrode potential in the presence of O2 and/or water has been identified as one of the main failure modes for the device operation. Here, we report the first TiN nanofiber (TNF)-based nonwoven structured materials to be constructed via electrospinning and subsequent two-step thermal treatment processes as a support for the PEMFC catalyst. Pt catalyst nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on the TNFs (Pt/TNFs) were electrochemically characterized with respect to oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and durability in an acidic medium. From the electrochemical tests, the TNF-supported Pt catalyst was better and more stable in terms of its catalytic performance compared to a commercially available carbon-supported Pt catalyst. For example, the initial oxygen reduction performance was comparable for both cases, while the Pt/TNF showed much higher durability from an accelerated degradation test (ADT) configuration. It is understood that the improved catalytic roles of TNFs on the supported Pt NPs for ORR are due to the high electrical conductivity arising from the extended connectivity, high inertness to the electrochemical environment and strong catalyst-support interactions.

  20. Development of a specimen heating holder with an evaporator and gas injector and its application for catalyst.

    PubMed

    Takeo, Kamino; Toshie, Yaguchi; Mitsuru, Konno; Akira, Watabe; Yasuhira, Nagakubo

    2006-10-01

    A specimen heating holder equipped with a gas injector and an evaporator has been developed for use with conventional transmission electron microscopes (TEMs). The developed specimen holder allows both synthesis of metal oxide support and deposition of catalyst nano-particles in situ. Since the holder is designed to be used in small gapped high-resolution objective lens pole-piece, all the procedure from the synthesis of support material to the deposition of catalyst as well as the behavior of the catalyst nano-particles on the support can be observed at near atomic resolution. The developed specimen holder was applied to the study of AuPd catalyst. First, air was injected onto heated aluminum particles via a gas injector to synthesize Al(2)O(3) support. Then, nano-particles of AuPd were deposited on the Al(2)O(3) support. After the deposition, the synthesized Al(2)O(3) support was heated and air was injected again to observe behaviors of the deposited AuPd nano-particles at elevated temperatures in the aerial environment. Behaviors of the AuPd nano-particles such as coalescence, segmentation and diffusion to the Al(2)O(3) support were dynamically observed at atomic level high resolution.

  1. Photo-reduction of CO2 Using a Rhenium Complex Covalently Supported on a Graphene/TiO2 Composite.

    PubMed

    Cui, Shi-Cong; Sun, Xue-Zhong; Liu, Jin-Gang

    2016-07-07

    One of the promising solutions for decreasing atmospheric CO2 is artificial photosynthesis, in which CO2 can be photoconverted into solar fuels. In this study, a rhenium complex Re(PyBn)(CO)3 Cl (PyBn=1-(2-picolyl)-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole) was covalently grafted onto the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). This was further combined with TiO2 to fabricate a novel catalyst composite TiO2 -rGO-Re(PyBn)(CO)3 Cl for CO2 photo-reduction. This hybrid composite demonstrated high selectivity conversion of CO2 into CO under xenon-lamp irradiation. Compared with the unsupported homogeneous catalyst Re(PyBn)(CO)3 Cl, the covalent immobilized catalyst composite TiO2 -rGO-Re(PyBn)(CO)3 Cl enhanced the turnover number six times and significantly improved catalyst stability. During the process of CO2 photo-reduction, intermediate species with lifetimes longer than hundreds of microseconds were observed and the formation of CO products was revealed using timeresolved infrared spectroscopy. A plausible mechanism for CO2 photo-reduction by the TiO2 -rGO-Re(PyBn)(CO)3 Cl catalyst composite has been suggested. The obtained results have implications for the future design of efficient catalyst composites for CO2 photo-conversion. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. New Pt/Alumina model catalysts for STM and in situ XPS studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nartova, Anna V.; Gharachorlou, Amir; Bukhtiyarov, Andrey V.; Kvon, Ren I.; Bukhtiyarov, Valerii I.

    2017-04-01

    The new Pt/alumina model catalysts for STM and in situ XPS studies based on thin alumina film formed over the conductive substrate are proposed. Procedure of platinum deposition developed for porous alumina was adapted for the model alumina support. The set of Pt/AlOx-film samples with the different mean platinum particle size was prepared. Capabilities of in situ XPS investigations of the proposed catalysts were demonstrated in study of NO decomposition on platinum nanoparticles. It is shown that proposed model catalysts behave similarly to Pt/γ-Al2O3 and provide the new opportunities for the instrumental studies of platinum catalysts due to resolving several issues (charging, heating, screening) that are typical for the investigation of the porous oxide supported catalysts.

  3. Attrition resistant catalysts and sorbents based on heavy metal poisoned FCC catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Gangwal, S.; Jothimurugesan, K.

    1999-07-27

    A heavy metal poisoned, spent FCC catalyst is treated by chemically impregnating the poisoned catalyst with a new catalytic metal or metal salt to provide an attrition resistant catalyst or sorbent for a different catalytic or absorption process, such as catalysts for Fischer-Tropsh Synthesis, and sorbents for removal of sulfur gases from fuel gases and flue-gases. The heavy metal contaminated FCC catalyst is directly used as a support for preparing catalysts having new catalytic properties and sorbents having new sorbent properties, without removing or passivating the heavy metals on the spent FCC catalyst as an intermediate step.

  4. Attrition resistant catalysts and sorbents based on heavy metal poisoned FCC catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Gangwal, Santosh; Jothimurugesan, Kandaswamy

    1999-01-01

    A heavy metal poisoned, spent FCC catalyst is treated by chemically impregnating the poisoned catalyst with a new catalytic metal or metal salt to provide an attrition resistant catalyst or sorbent for a different catalytic or absorption processes, such as catalysts for Fischer-Tropsh Synthesis, and sorbents for removal of sulfur gasses from fuel gases and flue-gases. The heavy metal contaminated FCC catalyst is directly used as a support for preparing catalysts having new catalytic properties and sorbents having new sorbent properties, without removing or "passivating" the heavy metals on the spent FCC catalyst as an intermediate step.

  5. Hydrothermal Synthesis of Platinum-Group-Metal-Free Catalysts: Structural Elucidation and Oxygen Reduction Catalysis

    DOE PAGES

    Gokhale, Rohan; Tsui, Lok-Kun; Roach, Kristin; ...

    2017-12-07

    In this paper, a hydrothermal approach to generate a platinum-group-metal-free (PGM-free) Fe-N-C catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is introduced. The process involves partial carbonization by hydrothermal means followed by thermal treatment to obtain the final catalysts. Detailed X-ray scattering analysis of the glucose-imidazole catalysts (termed as GLU-IMID-C catalysts), obtained for the first time with the use of CarbonXS GUI program, reveals the presence of face-centered cubic (FCC) iron nanoparticles embedded in partially graphitic carbon in all catalyst variations. We also report the physical characterization of these catalysts by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis, and transmissionmore » electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic behavior of the catalysts towards oxygen reduction is studied separately in acidic and alkaline electrolytes by rotating ring disk electrode measurements. The catalysts exhibit high ORR activity in acidic (0.5 M H 2SO 4) and alkaline (0.1 M KOH) electrolytes. Lastly, a precursor structure-performance relationship of these catalysts and their performance trends in both electrolytes has been discussed in this work.« less

  6. Hydrothermal Synthesis of Platinum-Group-Metal-Free Catalysts: Structural Elucidation and Oxygen Reduction Catalysis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gokhale, Rohan; Tsui, Lok-Kun; Roach, Kristin

    In this paper, a hydrothermal approach to generate a platinum-group-metal-free (PGM-free) Fe-N-C catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is introduced. The process involves partial carbonization by hydrothermal means followed by thermal treatment to obtain the final catalysts. Detailed X-ray scattering analysis of the glucose-imidazole catalysts (termed as GLU-IMID-C catalysts), obtained for the first time with the use of CarbonXS GUI program, reveals the presence of face-centered cubic (FCC) iron nanoparticles embedded in partially graphitic carbon in all catalyst variations. We also report the physical characterization of these catalysts by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis, and transmissionmore » electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic behavior of the catalysts towards oxygen reduction is studied separately in acidic and alkaline electrolytes by rotating ring disk electrode measurements. The catalysts exhibit high ORR activity in acidic (0.5 M H 2SO 4) and alkaline (0.1 M KOH) electrolytes. Lastly, a precursor structure-performance relationship of these catalysts and their performance trends in both electrolytes has been discussed in this work.« less

  7. One-step chemical vapor deposition synthesis and supercapacitor performance of nitrogen-doped porous carbon–carbon nanotube hybrids

    PubMed Central

    Bulusheva, Lyubov G; Fedorovskaya, Ekaterina O; Shubin, Yury V; Plyusnin, Pavel E; Lonchambon, Pierre; Senkovskiy, Boris V; Ismagilov, Zinfer R; Flahaut, Emmanuel; Okotrub, Alexander V

    2017-01-01

    Novel nitrogen-doped carbon hybrid materials consisting of multiwalled nanotubes and porous graphitic layers have been produced by chemical vapor deposition over magnesium-oxide-supported metal catalysts. CNx nanotubes were grown on Co/Mo, Ni/Mo, or Fe/Mo alloy nanoparticles, and MgO grains served as a template for the porous carbon. The simultaneous formation of morphologically different carbon structures was due to the slow activation of catalysts for the nanotube growth in a carbon-containing gas environment. An analysis of the obtained products by means of transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods revealed that the catalyst's composition influences the nanotube/porous carbon ratio and concentration of incorporated nitrogen. The hybrid materials were tested as electrodes in a 1M H2SO4 electrolyte and the best performance was found for a nitrogen-enriched material produced using the Fe/Mo catalyst. From the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data, it was concluded that the nitrogen doping reduces the resistance at the carbon surface/electrolyte interface and the nanotubes permeating the porous carbon provide fast charge transport in the cell. PMID:29354339

  8. Anchored nanostructure materials and method of fabrication

    DOEpatents

    Seals, Roland D; Menchhofer, Paul A; Howe, Jane Y; Wang, Wei

    2012-11-27

    Anchored nanostructure materials and methods for their fabrication are described. The anchored nanostructure materials may utilize nano-catalysts that include powder-based or solid-based support materials. The support material may comprise metal, such as NiAl, ceramic, a cermet, or silicon or other metalloid. Typically, nanoparticles are disposed adjacent a surface of the support material. Nanostructures may be formed as anchored to nanoparticles that are adjacent the surface of the support material by heating the nano-catalysts and then exposing the nano-catalysts to an organic vapor. The nanostructures are typically single wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes.

  9. Enhanced Hydrodeoxygenation of m -Cresol over Bimetallic Pt–Mo Catalysts through an Oxophilic Metal-Induced Tautomerization Pathway

    DOE PAGES

    Robinson, Allison; Ferguson, Glen Allen; Gallagher, James R.; ...

    2016-05-26

    Supported bimetallic catalysts consisting of a noble metal (e.g., Pt) and an oxophilic metal (e.g., Mo) have received considerable attention for the hydrodeoxygenation of oxygenated aromatic compounds produced from biomass fast pyrolysis. Here, we report that PtMo can catalyze m-cresol deoxygenation via a pathway involving an initial tautomerization step. In contrast, the dominant mechanism on monometallic Pt/Al 2O 3 was found to be sequential Pt-catalyzed ring hydrogenation followed by dehydration on the support. Bimetallic Pt 10Mo 1 and Pt 1Mo 1 catalysts were found to produce the completely hydrogenated and deoxygenated product, methylcyclohexane (MCH), with much higher yields than monometallicmore » Pt catalysts with comparable metal loadings and surface areas. Over an inert carbon support, MCH formation was found to be slow over monometallic Pt catalysts, while deoxygenation was significant for PtMo catalysts even in the absence of an acidic support material. Experimental studies of m-cresol deoxygenation together with density functional theory calculations indicated that Mo sites on the PtMo bimetallic surface dramatically lower the barrier for m-cresol tautomerization and subsequent deoxygenation. The accessibility of this pathway arises from the increased interaction between the oxygen of m-cresol and the Mo sites in the Pt surface. This interaction significantly alters the configuration of the precursor and transition states for tautomerization. Lastly, a suite of catalyst characterization techniques including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) indicate that Mo was present in a reduced state on the bimetallic surface under conditions relevant for reaction. Overall, these results suggest that the use of bifunctional metal catalysts can result in new reaction pathways that are unfavorable on monometallic noble metal catalysts.« less

  10. Surface chemistry characterization of hydrodesulfurization and methanol synthesis model nanocatalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Komarneni, Mallikharjuna Rao

    Surface science investigations of model catalysts have contributed significantly to heterogeneous catalysis over the past several decades. The unique properties of nanomaterials are being exploited in catalysis for the development of highly active and selective catalysts. Surface science investigations of model catalysts such as inorganic fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles (NP), inorganic nanotubes (INT), and the oxide-supported nanoclusters are included in this dissertation. Thermal desorption spectroscopy and molecular beam scattering were respectively utilized to study the adsorption kinetics and dynamics of gas phase molecules on catalyst surfaces. In addition, ambient pressure kinetics experiments were performed to characterize the catalytic activity of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) nanocatalysts. The nanocatalysts were characterized with a variety of techniques, including Auger electron spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The adsorption kinetics studies of thiophene on novel HDS catalysts provided the first evidence for the presence of different adsorption sites on INT-WS2. Additionally, the adsorption sites on IF-MoS2 NP and silica-supported Mo clusters (Mo/silica) were characterized. Furthermore, the C-S bond activation energy of thiophene on Mo/silica was determined. These studies finally led to the fabrication of Ni/Co coated INT-WS2, which showed good catalytic activity towards HDS of thiophene. The studies of methanol synthesis catalysts include the adsorption kinetics and dynamics studies of CO and CO2 on Cu/silica and silica-supported EBL-fabricated Cu/CuOx nanoclusters. The adsorption dynamics of CO on Cu/silica are modeled within the frame work of the capture zone model (CZM), and the active sites of the silica-supported Au/Cu catalysts are successfully mapped. Studies on EBL model catalysts identify the rims of the CuOx nanoclusters as catalytically active sites. This observation has implications for new methanol catalyst design.

  11. Formation of hydrocarbon compounds during the hydrocracking of non-edible vegetable oils with cobalt-nickel supported on hierarchical HZSM-5 catalyst

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marlinda, L.; Al-Muttaqii, M.; Roesyadi, A.; Prajitno, D. H.

    2017-05-01

    The hierarchical Co-Ni/HZSM-5 catalyst with hierarchical pore structure was prepared by desilication and incipient wetness impregnation. Hydrocracking of non-edible vegetable oils at temperature of 400 °C, 20±5 bar for 2 h was performed in the presence of this type of catalyst under hydrogen initial pressure in pressured batch reactor. Non-edible vegetable oils, such as Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) airy shaw (sunan candlenut) and Hevea brasiliensis (rubber seed) were chosen to study the effect of the degree of saturation and lateral chain length on hydrocarbon compounds obtained through hydrocracking. Cerbera manghas oil was also tested for comparison because the composition of fatty acid was different with the other oils The hydrocracking test indicated that liquid product produced has a similar hydrocarbon compounds with petroleum diesel. The most abundant hydrocarbon is pentadecane (n-C15) and heptadecane (n-C17). The high aromatic compounds were found in liquid product produced in hydrocracking of Sunan candlenut oil.

  12. Carbon-supported, selenium-modified ruthenium-molybdenum catalysts for oxygen reduction in acidic media.

    PubMed

    Guinel, Maxime J-F; Bonakdarpour, Arman; Wang, Biao; Babu, Panakkattu K; Ernst, Frank; Ramaswamy, Nagappan; Mukerjee, Sanjeev; Wieckowski, Andrzej

    2009-07-20

    The stability and oxygen reduction activity of two carbon-supported catalyst materials are reported. The catalysts, Se/Ru and Se/(Ru-Mo), were prepared by using a chemical reduction method. The catalyst nanoparticles were evenly dispersed onto globular amorphous carbon supports, and their average size was ca. 2.4 nm. Thermal treatment at 500 °C for 2 h in an inert argon atmosphere resulted in coarsening of the nanoparticles, and also in some decrease of their activity. A gradual reduction of activity was also observed for Se/Ru during potential-cycle experiments. However, the incorporation of small amounts of Mo into the Se/Ru catalysts considerably improved the stability of the catalyst against dissolution. The Mo-containing samples showed excellent oxygen reduction activities even after cycling the potential 1000 times between 0.7 and 0.9 V. Furthermore, they showed excellent fuel-cell behavior. The performance of the Se/Ru catalysts is greatly improved by the addition of small amounts of elemental Mo. Possible mechanisms responsible for the improvement of the activity are discussed. Copyright © 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Nafion induced surface confinement of oxygen in carbon-supported oxygen reduction catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    Chlistunoff, Jerzy; Sansinena, Jose -Maria

    2016-11-17

    We studied the surface confinement of oxygen inside layers of Nafion self-assembled on carbon-supported oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. It is demonstrated that oxygen accumulates in the hydrophobic component of the polymer remaining in contact with the carbon surface. Furthermore, the amount of surface confined oxygen increases with the degree of carbon surface graphitization, which promotes the self-assembly of the polymer. Planar macrocyclic ORR catalysts possessing a delocalized system of π electrons such as Co and Fe porphyrins and phthalocyanines have virtually no effect on the surface confinement of oxygen, in accordance with their structural similarity to graphitic carbon surfacesmore » where they adsorb. Platinum particles in carbon-supported ORR catalysts with high metal contents (20%) disrupt the self-assembly of Nafion and virtually eliminate the oxygen confinement, but the phenomenon is still observed for low Pt loading (4.8%) catalysts.« less

  14. Catalytic transformation of carbon dioxide and methane into syngas over ruthenium and platinum supported hydroxyapatites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rêgo De Vasconcelos, Bruna; Zhao, Lulu; Sharrock, Patrick; Nzihou, Ange; Pham Minh, Doan

    2016-12-01

    This work focused on the catalytic transformation of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into syngas (mixture of CO and H2). Ruthenium- and platinum-based catalysts were prepared using hydroxyapatite (HAP) as catalyst support. Different methods for metal deposition were used including incipient wetness impregnation (IWI), excess liquid phase impregnation (LIM), and cationic exchange (CEX). Metal particle size varied in large range from less than 1 nm to dozens nm. All catalysts were active at 400-700 °C but only Pt catalyst prepared by IWI method (Pt/HAP IWI) was found stable. The catalytic performance of Pt/HAP IWI could be comparable with the literature data on noble metal-based catalysts, prepared on metal oxide supports. For the first time, water was experimentally quantified as a by-product of the reaction. This helped to correctly buckle the mass balance of the process.

  15. Nafion induced surface confinement of oxygen in carbon-supported oxygen reduction catalysts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chlistunoff, Jerzy; Sansinena, Jose -Maria

    We studied the surface confinement of oxygen inside layers of Nafion self-assembled on carbon-supported oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. It is demonstrated that oxygen accumulates in the hydrophobic component of the polymer remaining in contact with the carbon surface. Furthermore, the amount of surface confined oxygen increases with the degree of carbon surface graphitization, which promotes the self-assembly of the polymer. Planar macrocyclic ORR catalysts possessing a delocalized system of π electrons such as Co and Fe porphyrins and phthalocyanines have virtually no effect on the surface confinement of oxygen, in accordance with their structural similarity to graphitic carbon surfacesmore » where they adsorb. Platinum particles in carbon-supported ORR catalysts with high metal contents (20%) disrupt the self-assembly of Nafion and virtually eliminate the oxygen confinement, but the phenomenon is still observed for low Pt loading (4.8%) catalysts.« less

  16. Au and Pt nanoparticle supported catalysts tailored for H-2 production: From models to powder catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    T. D. Nguyen-Phan; Baber, A. E.; Rodriguez, J. A.; ...

    2015-12-10

    The use of metal nanoparticles (NPs), including Au and Pt, supported over oxides has been pivotal, and is ever increasing in enabling catalytic reactions which target the production of hydrogen. We review here the most recent works pertaining to the fundamental understanding of the structure, morphology, growth, characterization, and intrinsic phenomenological properties of Au– and Pt– based catalysts that influence the reactivity and selectivity to target hydrogen production. We draw on surface science and theoretical methods of model and powder catalysts using high resolution imaging, spectroscopy, scattering experiments, and theoretical studies. Based on these insights we identify key aspects ofmore » studies of supported metal nanoparticle (NP) catalysts for several reactions. The main focus of this review is on the intersection of catalytic chemistry related to the water-gas shift (WGS), oxygenate steam reforming (OSR), and solarassisted reactions (SAR).« less

  17. Defect-rich Ni-Ti layered double hydroxide as a highly efficient support for Au nanoparticles in base-free and solvent-free selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol.

    PubMed

    Liu, Mengran; Fan, Guoli; Yu, Jiaying; Yang, Lan; Li, Feng

    2018-04-17

    Tuning the surface properties of supported metal catalysts is of vital importance for governing their catalytic performances in nanocatalysis. Here, we report highly dispersed nanometric gold nanoparticles (NPs) supported on Ni-Ti layered double hydroxides (NiTi-LDHs), which were employed in solvent-free and base-free selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol. A series of characterization techniques demonstrated that defect-rich NiTi-LDHs could efficiently stabilize Au NPs and decrease surface electron density of Au NPs. The as-formed Au/NiTi-LDH catalyst with a Ni/Ti molar ratio of 3 : 1 and an Au loading of 0.71 wt% yielded the highest turnover frequency value of ∼4981 h-1 at 120 °C among tested Au/NiTi-LDH catalysts with different Ni/Ti molar ratios, along with a high benzaldehyde selectivity of 98%. High catalytic efficiency of the catalyst was mainly correlated with surface cooperation between unique defects (i.e. defective Ti3+ species and oxygen vacancies) and abundant hydroxyl groups on the brucite-like layers of the NiTi-LDH support, which could lead to the preferential adsorption and activation of an alcohol hydroxyl moiety in benzyl alcohol and oxygen molecule, as well as the formation of more electron-deficient Ni3+ and Au0 species on the catalyst surface. Furthermore, the present Au/NiTi-LDH catalyst tolerated the oxidation of a wide variety of substrate structures into the corresponding aldehydes, acids or ketones. Our primary results illustrate that defect-rich NiTi-LDHs are promising supports which can efficiently modify surface structure and electronic properties of supported metal catalysts and consequently improve their catalytic performances.

  18. Catalyst for the methanation of carbon monoxide in sour gas

    DOEpatents

    Kustes, William A.; Hausberger, Arthur L.

    1985-01-01

    The invention involves the synergistic effect of the specific catalytic constituents on a specific series of carriers for the methanation of carbon monoxide in the presence of sulfur at relatively high temperatures and at low steam to gas ratios in the range of 0.2:1 or less. This effect was obtained with catalysts comprising the mixed sulfides and oxides of nickel and chromium supported on carriers comprising magnesium aluminate and magnesium silicate. Conversion of carbon monoxide to methane was in the range of from 40 to 80%. Tests of this combination of metal oxides and sulfides on other carriers and tests of other metal oxides and sulfides on the same carrier produced a much lower level of conversion.

  19. Ethanol dehydrogenation on copper catalysts with ytterbium stabilized tetragonal ZrO2 support

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chuklina, S. G.; Pylinina, A. I.; Podzorova, L. I.; Mikhailina, N. A.; Mikhalenko, I. I.

    2016-12-01

    The physicochemical and catalytic properties of Cu-containing crystalline zirconia, obtained via sol-gel synthesis in the presence of Yb3+ ions and polyvinylpyrrolidone, are studied. DTG/DSC, TEM, XRD and BET methods are used to analyze the crystallization, texture, phase uniformity, surface and porosity of ZrO2 nanopowders. It is shown that increasing the copper content (1, 3, and 5 wt % from ZrO2) raises the dehydrogenation activity in the temperature range of 100-400°C and lowers the activation energy of acetaldehyde formation. It is found that the activity of all Cu/ t-ZrO2 catalysts grows under the effects of the reaction medium, due to the migration and redispersion of copper.

  20. The Role of Mg(OH)2 in the So-Called "Base-Free" Oxidation of Glycerol with AuPd Catalysts.

    PubMed

    Fu, Jile; He, Qian; Miedziak, Peter J; Brett, Gemma L; Huang, Xiaoyang; Pattisson, Samuel; Douthwaite, Mark; Hutchings, Graham J

    2018-02-16

    Mg(OH) 2 - and Mg(OH) 2 -containing materials can provide excellent performance as supports for AuPd nanoparticles for the oxidation of glycerol in the absence of base, which is considered to be a result of additional basic sites on the surface of the support. However, its influence on the reaction solution is not generally discussed. In this paper, we examine the relationship between the basic Mg(OH) 2 support and AuPd nanoparticles in detail using four types of catalyst. For these reactions, the physical interaction between Mg(OH) 2 and AuPd was adjusted. It was found that the activity of the AuPd nanoparticles increased with the amount of Mg(OH) 2 added under base-free conditions, regardless of its interaction with the noble metals. In order to investigate how Mg(OH) 2 affected the glycerol oxidation, detailed information about the performance of AuPd/Mg(OH) 2 , physically mixed (AuPd/C+Mg(OH) 2 ) and (AuPd/C+NaHCO 3 ) was obtained and compared. Furthermore, NaOH and Mg(OH) 2 were added during the reaction using AuPd/C. All these results indicate that the distinctive and outstanding performance of Mg(OH) 2 supported catalysts in base-free condition is in fact directly related to its ability to affect the pH during the reaction and as such, assists with the initial activation of the primary alcohol, which is considered to be the rate determining step in the reaction. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Photocatalytic removal of Congo red dye using MCM-48/Ni2O3 composite synthesized based on silica gel extracted from rice husk ash; fabrication and application.

    PubMed

    Shaban, Mohamed; Abukhadra, Mostafa R; Hamd, Ahmed; Amin, Ragab R; Abdel Khalek, Ahmed

    2017-12-15

    MCM-48 mesoporous silica was successfully synthesized from silica gel extracted from rice husk ash and loaded by nickel oxide (Ni 2 O 3 ). The resulted composite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and UV-vis spectrophotometer. The role of MCM-48 as catalyst support in enhancing the photocatalytic properties of nickel oxide was evaluated through the photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye under visible light source. MCM-48 as catalyst support for Ni 2 O 3 shows considerable enhancement in the adsorption capacity by 17% and 29% higher than the adsorption capacity of MCM-48 and Ni 2 O 3 , respectively. Additionally, the photocatalytic degradation percentage increased by about 64% relative to the degradation percentage using Ni 2 O 3 as a single component. The adsorption mechanism of MCM-48/Ni 2 O 3 is chemisorption process of multilayer form. The using of MCM-48 as catalyst support for Ni 2 O 3 enhanced the adsorption capacity and the photocatalytic degradation through increasing the surface area and prevents the nickel oxide particles from agglomeration. This was done through fixing nickel oxide particles throughout the porous structure which providing more exposed active adsorption sites and active photocatalyst sites for the incident photons. Based on the obtained results, supporting of nickel oxide particles onto MCM-48 are promising active centers for the degradation of Congo red dye molecules. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Steam reforming of fuel to hydrogen in fuel cell

    DOEpatents

    Young, J.E.; Fraioli, A.V.

    1983-07-13

    A fuel cell is described capable of utilizing a hydrocarbon such as methane as fuel and having an internal dual catalyst system within the anode zone, the dual catalyst system including an anode catalyst supporting and in heat conducting relationship with a reforming catalyst with heat for the reforming reaction being supplied by the reaction at the anode catalyst.

  3. Electrochemical performance and durability of carbon supported Pt catalyst in contact with aqueous and polymeric proton conductors.

    PubMed

    Andersen, Shuang Ma; Skou, Eivind

    2014-10-08

    Significant differences in catalyst performance and durability are often observed between the use of a liquid electrolyte (e.g., sulfuric acid), and a solid polymer electrolyte (e.g., Nafion). To understand this phenomenon, we studied the electrochemical behavior of a commercially available carbon supported platinum catalyst in four different electrode structures: catalyst powder (CP), catalyst ionomer electrode (CIE), half membrane electrode assembly (HMEA), and full membrane electrode assembly (FMEA) in both ex situ and in situ experiments under a simulated start/stop cycle. We found that the catalyst performance and stability are very much influenced by the presence of the Nafion ionomers. The proton conducting phase provided by the ionomer and the self-assembled electrode structure render the catalysts a higher utilization and better stability. This is probably due to an enhanced dispersion, an improved proton-catalyst interface, the restriction of catalyst particle aggregation, and the improved stability of the ionomer phase especially after the lamination. Therefore, an innovative electrode HMEA design for ex-situ catalyst characterization is proposed. The electrode structure is identical to the one used in a real fuel cell, where the protons transport takes place solely through solid state proton conducting phase.

  4. Magnetic nanoparticle supported phosphotungstic acid: An efficient catalyst for the synthesis of xanthene derivatives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Patel, Nipun; Katheriya, Deepak; Dadhania, Harsh; Dadhania, Abhishek

    2018-05-01

    Magnetic nanoparticle supported phosphotungstic acid (Fe3O4@SiO2-HPW) was applied as a highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 14H-dibenzoxanthene derivatives via condensation reaction of 2-naphthol and aryl aldehydes. The catalyst was found highly efficient for the synthesis of xanthene derivatives under solvent free condition. The catalyst showed high activity and stability during the reaction and provided excellent yield of the corresponding products in short reaction time. All the synthesized compounds were characterized through FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, the catalyst is magnetically recoverable and can be reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.

  5. Supported cluster catalysts synthesized to be small, simple, selective, and stable

    DOE PAGES

    Guan, Erjia; Fang, Chia-Yu; Yang, Dong; ...

    2018-01-01

    Molecular metal complexes on supports have drawn wide attention as catalysts offering new properties and opportunities for precise synthesis to make uniform catalytic species that can be understood in depth.

  6. Surface-complexation synthesis of silica-supported high-loading well-dispersed reducible nano-Co3O4 catalysts using CoIII ammine hydroxo complexes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Weidong; Pan, Feng; Li, Jinjun; Wang, Zhen; Ding, Wei; Qin, Yi; Wu, Feng

    2018-06-01

    Silica-supported highly dispersed cobalt oxides prepared by adsorption are likely to be poorly reducible Co-phyllosilicates or CoO species. Here we report the synthesis of silica-supported monodispersed spinel nano-Co3O4 catalysts by inner-sphere complexation using CoIII ammine hydroxo complexes as precursors. The precursors were facilely prepared by stirring ammoniacal CoII solutions exposed to air. The cobalt loadings (up to 188 mg/g) and particle sizes (3-10 nm) were tailored by successive complexation-calcination cycles. Such catalysts showed significantly superior reducibility and catalytic activity in complete propane oxidation in comparison to supported Co-phyllosilicates and CoO. A further development of this synthesis process may provide a variety of cobalt-based catalysts for important catalytic applications.

  7. An extraordinarily stable catalyst: Pt NPs supported on two-dimensional Ti3C2X2 (X = OH, F) nanosheets for oxygen reduction reaction.

    PubMed

    Xie, Xiaohong; Chen, Siguo; Ding, Wei; Nie, Yao; Wei, Zidong

    2013-10-03

    High dispersion Pt nanoparticles supported on 2D Ti3C2X2 (X = OH, F) nanosheets are presented and electro-chemical measurements confirm that the Pt/Ti3C2X2 catalyst shows enhanced durability and improved ORR activity compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst.

  8. Particle size and support effects in electrocatalysis.

    PubMed

    Hayden, Brian E

    2013-08-20

    Researchers increasingly recognize that, as with standard supported heterogeneous catalysts, the activity and selectivity of supported metal electrocatalysts are influenced by particle size, particle structure, and catalyst support. Studies using model supported heterogeneous catalysts have provided information about these effects. Similarly, model electrochemical studies on supported metal electrocatalysts can provide insight into the factors determining catalytic activity. High-throughput methods for catalyst synthesis and screening can determine systematic trends in activity as a function of support and particle size with excellent statistical certainty. In this Account, we describe several such studies investigating methods for dispersing precious metals on both carbon and oxide supports, with particular emphasis on the prospects for the development of low-temperature fuel-cell electrocatalysts. One key finding is a decrease in catalytic activity with decreasing particle size independent of the support for both oxygen reduction and CO oxidation on supported gold and platinum. For these reactions, there appears to be an intrinsic particle size effect that results in a loss of activity at particle sizes below 2-3 nm. A titania support, however, also increases activity of gold particles in the electrooxidation of CO and in the reduction of oxygen, with an optimum at 3 nm particle size. This optimum may represent the superposition of competing effects: a titania-induced enhanced activity versus deactivation at small particle sizes. The titania support shows catalytic activity at potentials where carbon-supported and bulk-gold surfaces are normally oxidized and CO electrooxidation is poisoned. On the other hand, platinum on amorphous titania shows a different effect: the oxidation reduction reaction is strongly poisoned in the same particle size range. We correlated the influence of the titania support with titania-induced changes in the surface redox behavior of the platinum particles. For both supported gold and platinum particles in electrocatalysis, we observe parallels to the effects of particle size and support in the equivalent heterogeneous catalysts. Studies of model supported-metal electrocatalysts, performs efficiently using high throughput synthetic and screening methodologies, will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for support and particle size effects in electrocatalysis, and will drive the development of more effective and robust catalysts in the future.

  9. Modifying the Surface of γ-Al2 O3 with Y2 Sn2 O7 Pyrochlore: Monolayer Dispersion Behaviour of Composite Oxides.

    PubMed

    Xu, Xianglan; Liu, Fang; Tian, Jinshu; Peng, Honggen; Liu, Wenming; Fang, Xiuzhong; Zhang, Ning; Wang, Xiang

    2017-06-20

    To investigate the dispersion behaviour of composite oxides on supports, and to obtain better supports for Pd for CO oxidation, a series of Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 /Al 2 O 3 composite oxides with different Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 loadings were prepared by a deposition-precipitation method. XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic extrapolation methods revealed that, similar to single-component metal oxides, composite oxides can also disperse spontaneously on support surfaces to form a monolayer with a certain capacity. The monolayer dispersion capacity/threshold for Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 on the surface of γ-Al 2 O 3 is 0.109 mmol per 100 m 2 γ-Al 2 O 3 , corresponding to 7.2 wt % Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 loading. This is the first work to demonstrate monolayer dispersion of a composite oxide on a support. After combining Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 with γ-Al 2 O 3 , active oxygen species can be introduced onto the catalyst surfaces. Thus, the interaction between Pd and the support is strengthened, the dispersion of Pd is improved in comparison with the single-component Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 support, and a synergistic effect is induced between Pd and the composite support, which is beneficial to catalyst activity. By tuning the γ-Al 2 O 3 surface with different amounts of pyrochlore Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 , CO oxidation activity on 1 % Pd/Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 /Al 2 O 3 was improved. These findings may provide new insights into the design and preparation of effective supported noble metal catalysts with lower contents of noble metals. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. TiO₂-Based Photocatalytic Geopolymers for Nitric Oxide Degradation.

    PubMed

    Strini, Alberto; Roviello, Giuseppina; Ricciotti, Laura; Ferone, Claudio; Messina, Francesco; Schiavi, Luca; Corsaro, Davide; Cioffi, Raffaele

    2016-06-24

    This study presents an experimental overview for the development of photocatalytic materials based on geopolymer binders as catalyst support matrices. Particularly, geopolymer matrices obtained from different solid precursors (fly ash and metakaolin), composite systems (siloxane-hybrid, foamed hybrid), and curing temperatures (room temperature and 60 °C) were investigated for the same photocatalyst content (i.e., 3% TiO₂ by weight of paste). The geopolymer matrices were previously designed for different applications, ranging from insulating (foam) to structural materials. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated as NO degradation in air, and the results were compared with an ordinary Portland cement reference. The studied matrices demonstrated highly variable photocatalytic performance depending on both matrix constituents and the curing temperature, with promising activity revealed by the geopolymers based on fly ash and metakaolin. Furthermore, microstructural features and titania dispersion in the matrices were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analyses. Particularly, EDS analyses of sample sections indicated segregation effects of titania in the surface layer, with consequent enhancement or depletion of the catalyst concentration in the active sample region, suggesting non-negligible transport phenomena during the curing process. The described results demonstrated that geopolymer binders can be interesting catalyst support matrices for the development of photocatalytic materials and indicated a large potential for the exploitation of their peculiar features.

  11. Resin-Immobilized Palladium Nanoparticle Catalysts for Organic Reactions in Aqueous Media: Morphological Aspects.

    PubMed

    Mastrorilli, Piero; Dell'Anna, Maria M; Rizzuti, Antonino; Mali, Matilda; Zapparoli, Mauro; Leonelli, Cristina

    2015-10-14

    An insight into the nano- and micro-structural morphology of a polymer supported Pd catalyst employed in different catalytic reactions under green conditions is reported. The pre-catalyst was obtained by copolymerization of the metal-containing monomer Pd(AAEMA)₂ [AAEMA-=deprotonated form of 2-(acetoacetoxy) ethyl methacrylate] with ethyl methacrylate as co-monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker. This material was used in water for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of aryl bromides, and for the reduction of nitroarenes and quinolines using NaBH₄ or H₂, as reductants. TEM analyses showed that in all cases the pristine Pd(II) species were reduced in situ to Pd(0), which formed metal nanoparticles (NPs, the real active species). The dependence of their average size (2-10 nm) and morphology on different parameters (temperature, reducing agent, presence of a phase transfer agent) is discussed. TEM and micro-IR analyses showed that the polymeric support retained its porosity and stability for several catalytic cycles in all reactions and Pd NPs did not aggregate after reuse. The metal nanoparticle distribution throughout the polymer matrix after several recycles provided precious information about the catalytic mechanism, which was truly heterogeneous in the hydrogenation reactions and of the so-called "release and catch" type in the Suzuki coupling.

  12. Catalysts for low-energy aldehyde processes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gupta, A.; Rembaum, A.; Frazier, C.; Gray, H. B.

    1977-01-01

    Photochemical reaction of dicobalt octacarbonyl with polymeric support systems results in formation of polymer bonded metal catalyst. Catalyst is used in hydroformylation (addition of carbon dioxide and hydrogen) of olefins to yield aldehydes.

  13. Catalytic wet air oxidation of coke-plant wastewater on ruthenium-based eggshell catalysts in a bubbling bed reactor.

    PubMed

    Yang, M; Sun, Y; Xu, A H; Lu, X Y; Du, H Z; Sun, C L; Li, C

    2007-07-01

    Catalytic wet air of coke-plant wastewater was studied in a bubbling bed reactor. Two types of supported Ru-based catalysts, eggshell and uniform catalysts, were employed. Compared with the results in the wet air oxidation of coke-plant wastewater, supported Ru uniform catalysts showed high activity for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia/ammonium compounds (NH3-N) removal at temperature of 250 degrees C and pressure of 4.8 MPa, and it has been demonstrated that the catalytic activity of uniform catalyst depended strongly on the distribution of active sites of Ru on catalyst. Compared to the corresponding uniform catalysts with the same Ru loading (0.25 wt.% and 0.1 wt.%, respectively), the eggshell catalysts showed higher activities for CODcr removal and much higher activities for NH3-N degradation. The high activity of eggshell catalyst for treatment of coke-plant wastewater can be attributed to the higher density of active Ru sites in the shell layer than that of the corresponding uniform catalyst with the same Ru loading. It has been also evidenced that the active Ru sites in the internal core of uniform catalyst have very little or no contribution to CODcr and NH3-N removal in the total oxidation of coke-plant wastewater.

  14. PdRu/C catalysts for ethanol oxidation in anion-exchange membrane direct ethanol fuel cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, Liang; He, Hui; Hsu, Andrew; Chen, Rongrong

    2013-11-01

    Carbon supported PdRu catalysts with various Pd:Ru atomic ratios were synthesized by impregnation method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrochemical half-cell tests, and the anion-exchange membrane direct ethanol fuel cell (AEM-DEFC) tests. XRD results suggest that the PdRu metal exists on carbon support in an alloy form. TEM study shows that the bimetallic PdRu/C catalysts have slightly smaller average particle size than the single metal Pd/C catalyst. Lower onset potential and peak potential and much higher steady state current for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media were observed on the bimetallic catalysts (PdxRuy/C) than on the Pd/C, while the activity for ethanol oxidation on the pure Ru/C was not noticeable. By using Pd/C anode catalysts and MnO2 cathode catalysts, AEM-DEFCs free from the expensive Pt catalyst were assembled. The AEM DEFC using the bimetallic Pd3Ru/C anode catalyst showed a peak power density as high as 176 mW cm-2 at 80 °C, about 1.8 times higher than that using the single metal Pd/C catalyst. The role of Ru for enhancing the EOR activity of Pd/C catalysts is discussed.

  15. Synthesis and characterization of molybdenum catalysts supported on {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-CeO{sub 2} composite oxides

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Farooq, Muhammad; Ramli, Anita; Subbarao, Duvvuri

    2012-09-26

    The physical and chemical properties of a catalyst play a vital role in various industrial applications. Molybdenum catalysts supported on {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-CeO{sub 2} mixed oxides with varying loading of CeO{sub 2} (5, 10, 15, 20 wt% with respect to {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) were prepared by wet impregnation method. The physiochemical properties of these synthesized Mo catalysts were studied with various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive analysis (FESEM-EDX) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). The results showed that the addition of CeO{submore » 2} into the support affected the binding energies of the elements and reducibility of the metal oxides formed after calcination of catalyst samples due to the change in metal-support interaction. Further, the characterization techniques showed that the active metal was well dispersed on the surface of support material.« less

  16. Acidic Mesoporous Zeolite ZSM-5 Supported Cu Catalyst with Good Catalytic Performance in the Hydroxysulfurization of Styrenes with Disulfides.

    PubMed

    Hu, Jun; Zhu, Chaojie; Xia, Feifei; Fang, Zhongxue; Yang, Fengli; Weng, Jushi; Yao, Pengfei; Zheng, Chunzhi; Dong, Hai; Fu, Wenqian

    2017-12-19

    Development of highly active heterogeneous catalysts is an effective strategy for modern organic synthesis chemistry. In this work, acidic mesoporous zeolite ZSM-5 (HZSM-5-M), acidic-free mesoporous zeolite TS-1 (TS-1-M), and basic ETS-10 zeolite supported metal Cu catalysts were prepared to investigate their catalytic performances in the hydroxysulfurization of styrenes with diaryl disulfides. The effect of pore size and acidities of the supports, as well as the Cu species electronic properties of the catalysts on reaction activity were investigated. The results show that Cu⁺ and Cu 2+ binded on HZSM-5-M show the highest activity and product selectivity for the desired β -hydroxysulfides compounds.

  17. Acidic Mesoporous Zeolite ZSM-5 Supported Cu Catalyst with Good Catalytic Performance in the Hydroxysulfurization of Styrenes with Disulfides

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Jun; Zhu, Chaojie; Xia, Feifei; Fang, Zhongxue; Yang, Fengli; Weng, Jushi; Yao, Pengfei; Zheng, Chunzhi; Dong, Hai; Fu, Wenqian

    2017-01-01

    Development of highly active heterogeneous catalysts is an effective strategy for modern organic synthesis chemistry. In this work, acidic mesoporous zeolite ZSM-5 (HZSM-5-M), acidic-free mesoporous zeolite TS-1 (TS-1-M), and basic ETS-10 zeolite supported metal Cu catalysts were prepared to investigate their catalytic performances in the hydroxysulfurization of styrenes with diaryl disulfides. The effect of pore size and acidities of the supports, as well as the Cu species electronic properties of the catalysts on reaction activity were investigated. The results show that Cu+ and Cu2+ binded on HZSM-5-M show the highest activity and product selectivity for the desired β-hydroxysulfides compounds. PMID:29257075

  18. Catalytic combustion of methane over commercial catalysts in presence of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide.

    PubMed

    Hurtado, Paloma; Ordóñez, Salvador; Vega, Aurelio; Díez, Fernando V

    2004-05-01

    The performance of different commercially available catalysts (supported Pd, Pt, Rh, bimetallic Pd-Pt, and Cr-Cu-Ti oxide catalyst) for the oxidation of methane, alone and in presence of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide is studied in this work. Catalysts performance was evaluated both in terms of activity and resistance to poisoning. The main conclusions are that supported Pd and Rh, present the highest activities for methane oxidation, both alone and in presence of ammonia, whereas they are severely poisoned in presence of H2S. Pt and Cr-Cu-Ti are less active but more sulphur resistant, but their activity is lower than the residual activity of sulphur-deactivated Pd and Rh catalysts. The Pd-Pt catalyst exhibits low activity and it is quickly deactivated in presence of hydrogen sulphide.

  19. Pd-bound functionalized mesoporous silica as active catalyst for Suzuki coupling reaction: Effect of OAcˉ, PPh3 and Clˉ ligands on catalytic activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Das, Trisha; Uyama, Hiroshi; Nandi, Mahasweta

    2018-04-01

    Three new palladium catalysts, PdCat-I, PdCat-II and PdCat-III, immobilized over heterogeneous silica support have been synthesized using different ligands attached to the palladium precursor. The ligands that have been used in this study are acetate, triphenylphosphine and chloride in PdCat-I, PdCat-II and PdCat-III, respectively. The ligands have different effect on stability of the compounds and impart different oxidation states to the metal center. The materials have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption studies, transmission electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and different spectroscopic techniques. The Pd-content of the samples have been determined by ICP-AES analysis. The materials have been used as catalysts for Suzuki coupling reaction of aryl halides with phenylboronic acid under mild conditions. A comparative study has been carried out to ascertain the effect of the nature of different ligands on the outcome of the catalytic reactions. Products have been identified and estimated by 1H NMR and gas chromatography. The results show that the best yields are obtained with the catalyst containing triphenylphosphine as the ligand in methanol. Such type of work to study the effect of ligand on Suzuki coupling reaction over functionalized mesoporous silica heterogeneous catalysts have not been carried out so far.

  20. Hydrogen production from biomass gasification using biochar as a catalyst/support.

    PubMed

    Yao, Dingding; Hu, Qiang; Wang, Daqian; Yang, Haiping; Wu, Chunfei; Wang, Xianhua; Chen, Hanping

    2016-09-01

    Biochar is a promising catalyst/support for biomass gasification. Hydrogen production from biomass steam gasification with biochar or Ni-based biochar has been investigated using a two stage fixed bed reactor. Commercial activated carbon was also studied as a comparison. Catalyst was prepared with an impregnation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, specific surface and porosity analysis, X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron micrograph. The effects of gasification temperature, steam to biomass ratio, Ni loading and bio-char properties on catalyst activity in terms of hydrogen production were explored. The Ni/AC catalyst showed the best performance at gasification temperature of 800°C, S/B=4, Ni loading of 15wt.%. Texture and composition characterization of the catalysts suggested the interaction between volatiles and biochar promoted the reforming of pyrolysis volatiles. Cotton-char supported Ni exhibited the highest activity of H2 production (64.02vol.%, 92.08mgg(-1) biomass) from biomass gasification, while rice-char showed the lowest H2 production. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. A palladium-doped ceria@carbon core-sheath nanowire network: a promising catalyst support for alcohol electrooxidation reactions.

    PubMed

    Tan, Qiang; Du, Chunyu; Sun, Yongrong; Du, Lei; Yin, Geping; Gao, Yunzhi

    2015-08-28

    A novel palladium-doped ceria and carbon core-sheath nanowire network (Pd-CeO2@C CSNWN) is synthesized by a template-free and surfactant-free solvothermal process, followed by high temperature carbonization. This hierarchical network serves as a new class of catalyst support to enhance the activity and durability of noble metal catalysts for alcohol oxidation reactions. Its supported Pd nanoparticles, Pd/(Pd-CeO2@C CSNWN), exhibit >9 fold increase in activity toward the ethanol oxidation over the state-of-the-art Pd/C catalyst, which is the highest among the reported Pd systems. Moreover, stability tests show a virtually unchanged activity after 1000 cycles. The high activity is mainly attributed to the superior oxygen-species releasing capability of Pd-doped CeO2 nanowires by accelerating the removal of the poisoning intermediate. The unique interconnected one-dimensional core-sheath structure is revealed to facilitate immobilization of the metal catalysts, leading to the improved durability. This core-sheath nanowire network opens up a new strategy for catalyst performance optimization for next-generation fuel cells.

  2. A review of carbon-based and non-carbon-based catalyst supports for the selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide

    PubMed Central

    Anthonysamy, Shahreen Binti Izwan; Afandi, Syahidah Binti; Khavarian, Mehrnoush

    2018-01-01

    Various types of carbon-based and non-carbon-based catalyst supports for nitric oxide (NO) removal through selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with ammonia are examined in this review. A number of carbon-based materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), activated carbon (AC), and graphene (GR) and non-carbon-based materials, such as Zeolite Socony Mobil–5 (ZSM-5), TiO2, and Al2O3 supported materials, were identified as the most up-to-date and recently used catalysts for the removal of NO gas. The main focus of this review is the study of catalyst preparation methods, as this is highly correlated to the behaviour of NO removal. The general mechanisms involved in the system, the Langmuir–Hinshelwood or Eley–Riedeal mechanism, are also discussed. Characterisation analysis affecting the surface and chemical structure of the catalyst is also detailed in this work. Finally, a few major conclusions are drawn and future directions for work on the advancement of the SCR-NH3 catalyst are suggested. PMID:29600136

  3. A review of carbon-based and non-carbon-based catalyst supports for the selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide.

    PubMed

    Anthonysamy, Shahreen Binti Izwan; Afandi, Syahidah Binti; Khavarian, Mehrnoush; Mohamed, Abdul Rahman Bin

    2018-01-01

    Various types of carbon-based and non-carbon-based catalyst supports for nitric oxide (NO) removal through selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with ammonia are examined in this review. A number of carbon-based materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), activated carbon (AC), and graphene (GR) and non-carbon-based materials, such as Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 (ZSM-5), TiO 2 , and Al 2 O 3 supported materials, were identified as the most up-to-date and recently used catalysts for the removal of NO gas. The main focus of this review is the study of catalyst preparation methods, as this is highly correlated to the behaviour of NO removal. The general mechanisms involved in the system, the Langmuir-Hinshelwood or Eley-Riedeal mechanism, are also discussed. Characterisation analysis affecting the surface and chemical structure of the catalyst is also detailed in this work. Finally, a few major conclusions are drawn and future directions for work on the advancement of the SCR-NH 3 catalyst are suggested.

  4. Origin of the Excellent Performance of Ru on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanofibers for CO2 Hydrogenation to CH4.

    PubMed

    Roldán, Laura; Marco, Yanila; García-Bordejé, Enrique

    2017-03-22

    Carbon materials have rarely been used as support for CO 2 methanation, which is usually carried out using catalysts supported on metal oxides. Here, it is shown that Ru nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (NCNF) provide competitive CH 4 production rate and stability compared to Al 2 O 3 -supported catalysts. Contrary to the general belief about the inert nature of carbon supports, it is demonstrated that NCNF is a non-innocent spectator in CO 2 methanation due to its ability to store a high amount of CO ad reaction intermediates. This explains the excellent catalytic behaviour afforded by this unconventional catalyst support. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  5. Enhanced catalyst for conversion of syngas to liquid motor fuels

    DOEpatents

    Coughlin, Peter K.; Rabo, Jule A.

    1985-01-01

    Synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen is converted to C.sub.5.sup.+ hydrocarbons suitable for use as liquid motor fuels by contact with a dual catalyst system capable of enhancing the selectivity of said conversion to motor fuel range hydrocarbons and the quality of the resulting motor fuel product. The catalyst composition employs a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, together with a co-catalyst/support component comprising SAPO silicoaluminophosphate, non-zeolitic molecular sieve catalyst.

  6. Enhanced catalyst for conversion of syngas to liquid motor fuels

    DOEpatents

    Coughlin, P.K.; Rabo, J.A.

    1985-12-03

    Synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen is converted to C[sub 5][sup +] hydrocarbons suitable for use as liquid motor fuels by contact with a dual catalyst system capable of enhancing the selectivity of said conversion to motor fuel range hydrocarbons and the quality of the resulting motor fuel product. The catalyst composition employs a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, together with a co-catalyst/support component comprising a SAPO silicoaluminophosphate, non-zeolitic molecular sieve catalyst.

  7. XPS and Raman studies of Pt catalysts supported on activated carbon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tyagi, Deepak; Varma, Salil; Bharadwaj, S. R.

    2018-04-01

    Activated carbon is a widely used support for dispersing noble metals in addition to its many applications. We have prepared platinum catalyst supported on activated carbon for HI decomposition reaction of I-S thermochemical process of hydrogen generation. These catalysts were characterized by XPS and Raman before and after using for the reaction. It was observed that platinum is present in zero oxidation state, while carbon is present is both sp2 and sp3 hybridized forms along with some amount of it bonded to oxygen.

  8. Synthesis and Stabilization of Supported Metal Catalysts by Atomic Layer Deposition

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lu, Junling; Elam, Jeffrey W.; Stair, Peter C.

    2013-03-12

    Supported metal nanoparticles are among the most important cata-lysts for many practical reactions, including petroleum refining, automobile exhaust treatment, and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The catalytic performance strongly depends on the size, composition, and structure of the metal nanoparticles, as well as the underlying support. Scientists have used conventional synthesis methods including impregnation, ion exchange, and deposition–precipitation to control and tune these factors, to establish structure–performance relationships, and to develop better catalysts. Meanwhile, chemists have improved the stability of metal nanoparticles against sintering by the application of protective layers, such as polymers and oxides that encapsulate the metal particle. This often leadsmore » to decreased catalytic activity due to a lack of precise control over the thickness of the protective layer. A promising method of catalyst synthesis is atomic layer deposition (ALD). ALD is a variation on chemical vapor deposition in which metals, oxides, and other materials are deposited on surfaces by a sequence of self-limiting reactions. The self-limiting character of these reactions makes it possible to achieve uniform deposits on high-surface-area porous solids. Therefore, design and synthesis of advanced catalysts on the nanoscale becomes possible through precise control over the structure and composition of the underlying support, the catalytic active sites, and the protective layer. In this Account, we describe our advances in the synthesis and stabilization of supported metal catalysts by ALD. After a short introduction to the technique of ALD, we show several strategies for metal catalyst synthesis by ALD that take advantage of its self-limiting feature. Monometallic and bimetallic catalysts with precise control over the metal particle size, composition, and structure were achieved by combining ALD sequences, surface treatments, and deposition temperature control. Next, we describe ALD oxide overcoats applied with atomically precise thickness control that stabilize metal catalysts while preserving their catalytic function. We also discuss strategies for generation and control over the porosity of the overcoats that allow the embedded metal particles to remain accessible by reactants, and the details for ALD alumina overcoats on metal catalysts. Moreover, using methanol decomposition and oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane as probe reactions, we demonstrate that selectively blocking low coordination metal sites by oxide overcoats can provide another strategy to enhance both the durability and selectivity of metal catalysts.« less

  9. A palladium-doped ceria@carbon core-sheath nanowire network: a promising catalyst support for alcohol electrooxidation reactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tan, Qiang; Du, Chunyu; Sun, Yongrong; Du, Lei; Yin, Geping; Gao, Yunzhi

    2015-08-01

    A novel palladium-doped ceria and carbon core-sheath nanowire network (Pd-CeO2@C CSNWN) is synthesized by a template-free and surfactant-free solvothermal process, followed by high temperature carbonization. This hierarchical network serves as a new class of catalyst support to enhance the activity and durability of noble metal catalysts for alcohol oxidation reactions. Its supported Pd nanoparticles, Pd/(Pd-CeO2@C CSNWN), exhibit >9 fold increase in activity toward the ethanol oxidation over the state-of-the-art Pd/C catalyst, which is the highest among the reported Pd systems. Moreover, stability tests show a virtually unchanged activity after 1000 cycles. The high activity is mainly attributed to the superior oxygen-species releasing capability of Pd-doped CeO2 nanowires by accelerating the removal of the poisoning intermediate. The unique interconnected one-dimensional core-sheath structure is revealed to facilitate immobilization of the metal catalysts, leading to the improved durability. This core-sheath nanowire network opens up a new strategy for catalyst performance optimization for next-generation fuel cells.A novel palladium-doped ceria and carbon core-sheath nanowire network (Pd-CeO2@C CSNWN) is synthesized by a template-free and surfactant-free solvothermal process, followed by high temperature carbonization. This hierarchical network serves as a new class of catalyst support to enhance the activity and durability of noble metal catalysts for alcohol oxidation reactions. Its supported Pd nanoparticles, Pd/(Pd-CeO2@C CSNWN), exhibit >9 fold increase in activity toward the ethanol oxidation over the state-of-the-art Pd/C catalyst, which is the highest among the reported Pd systems. Moreover, stability tests show a virtually unchanged activity after 1000 cycles. The high activity is mainly attributed to the superior oxygen-species releasing capability of Pd-doped CeO2 nanowires by accelerating the removal of the poisoning intermediate. The unique interconnected one-dimensional core-sheath structure is revealed to facilitate immobilization of the metal catalysts, leading to the improved durability. This core-sheath nanowire network opens up a new strategy for catalyst performance optimization for next-generation fuel cells. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr03023d

  10. A new generation of zirconia supported metal oxide catalysts for converting low grade renewable feedstocks to biodiesel.

    PubMed

    Kim, Manhoe; DiMaggio, Craig; Salley, Steven O; Simon Ng, K Y

    2012-08-01

    A new class of zirconia supported mixed metal oxides (ZnO-TiO(2)-Nd(2)O(3)/ZrO(2) and ZnO-SiO(2)-Yb(2)O(3)/ZrO(2)) has demonstrated the ability to convert low quality, high free fatty acid (FFA) bio-oils into biodiesel. Pelletized catalysts of ZrO(2) supported metal oxides were prepared via a sol-gel process and tested in continuous flow packed bed reactors for up to 6 months. In a single pass, while operating at mild to moderate reaction conditions, 195 °C and 300 psi, these catalysts can perform simultaneous esterification and transesterification reactions on feedstock of 33% FFA and 67% soybean oil to achieve FAME yields higher than 90%. Catalytic activity of the ZrO(2) supported metal oxide catalysts was highly dependent on the metal oxide composition. These heterogeneous catalysts will enable biodiesel manufacturers to avoid problems inherent in homogeneous processes, such as separation and washing, corrosive conditions, and excessive methanol usage. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Gold-supported cerium-doped NiO x catalysts for water oxidation

    DOE PAGES

    Ng, Jia Wei Desmond; García-Melchor, Max; Bajdich, Michal; ...

    2016-04-29

    Here, the development of high-performance catalysts for the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) is paramount for cost-effective conversion of renewable electricity to fuels and chemicals. Here we report the significant enhancement of the OER activity of electrodeposited NiO x films resulting from the combined effects of using cerium as a dopant and gold as a metal support. This NiCeO x–Au catalyst delivers high OER activity in alkaline media, and is among the most active OER electrocatalysts yet reported. On the basis of experimental observations and theoretical modelling, we ascribe the activity to a combination of electronic, geometric and support effects, where highlymore » active under-coordinated sites at the oxide support interface are modified by the local chemical binding environment and by doping the host Ni oxide with Ce. The NiCeO x–Au catalyst is further demonstrated in a device context by pairing it with a nickel–molybdenum hydrogen evolution catalyst in a water electrolyser, which delivers 50 mA consistently at 1.5 V over 24 h of continuous operation.« less

  12. Novel application of thermally expanded graphite as the support of catalysts for direct synthesis of DMC from CH3OH and CO2.

    PubMed

    Bian, J; Xiao, M; Wang, S J; Lu, Y X; Meng, Y Z

    2009-06-01

    Novel Cu-Ni bimetallic catalysts supported on thermally expanded graphite (TEG) were prepared as an example to show the particular characteristics of TEG as a carbon support material. The structures of TEG and the synthesized Cu-Ni/TEG catalysts were characterized using BET, FTIR, TG, SEM, TEM, XRD and TPR techniques. The catalytic activities of the prepared catalysts were investigated by performing micro-reaction in the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CH3OH and CO2. The experimental results indicated that the prepared Cu-Ni/TEG catalysts exhibited highly catalytic activity. Under the optimal catalytic conditions at 100 degrees C and under 1.2 MPa, the highest conversion of CH3OH of 4.97% and high selectivity of DMC of 89.3% can be achieved. The highly catalytic activity of Cu-Ni/TEG in DMC synthesis can be attributed to the synergetic effects of metal Cu, Ni and Cu-Ni alloy in the activation of CH3OH and CO2 and the particular characteristics of TEG as a carbon support material.

  13. Aqueous aerobic oxidation of alkyl arenes and alcohols catalyzed by copper(II) phthalocyanine supported on three-dimensional nitrogen-doped graphene at room temperature.

    PubMed

    Mahyari, Mojtaba; Laeini, Mohammad Sadegh; Shaabani, Ahmad

    2014-07-25

    Copper(ii) tetrasulfophthalocyanine supported on three-dimensional nitrogen-doped graphene-based frameworks was synthesized and introduced as a bifunctional catalyst for selective aerobic oxidation of alkyl arenes and alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds. The ease of catalyst separation, high turnover, low catalyst loading and recyclability could potentially render it applicable in industrial setting.

  14. Catalysts for the Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide at Low Temperatures.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-11-21

    Four catalysts ( hopcalite , Whetlerite, a supported palladium, and a supported platinum) were tested for efficiency in promoting the oxidation of...carbon monoxide (CO). At room temperature and 50% RH, hopcalite has no catalytic capability and platinum has practically none. At room temperature and 15...RH, hopcalite is superior to platinum in catalyzing the oxidation of CO. Hopcalite is more efficient than either of the other three catalysts in the

  15. Need for optimizing catalyst loading for achieving affordable microbial fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Singh, Inderjeet; Chandra, Amreesh

    2013-08-01

    Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is a promising technology for electricity production together with simultaneous water treatment. Catalysts play an important role in deciding the MFC performance. In most reports, effect of catalyst - both type and quantity is not optimized. In this paper, synthesis of nanorods of MnO2-catalyst particles for application in Pt-free MFCs is reported. The effect of catalyst loading i.e., weight ratio, with respect to conducting element and binder has been optimized by employing large number of combinations. Using simple theoretical model, it is shown that too high (or low) concentration of catalysts result in loss of MFC performance. The operation of MFC has been investigated using domestic wastewater as source of bio-waste for obtaining real world situation. Maximum power density of ∼61 mW/m(2) was obtained when weight ratio of catalyst and conducting species was 1:1. Suitable reasons are given to explain the outcomes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Microwave Deposition of Palladium Catalysts on Graphite Spheres and Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheets for Electrochemical Glucose Sensing.

    PubMed

    Xie, Jian-De; Gu, Siyong; Zhang, Houan

    2017-09-21

    This work outlines a synthetic strategy inducing the microwave-assisted synthesis of palladium (Pd) nanocrystals on a graphite sphere (GS) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supports, forming the Pd catalysts for non-enzymatic glucose oxidation reaction (GOR). The pulse microwave approach takes a short period (i.e., 10 min) to fast synthesize Pd nanocrystals onto a carbon support at 150 °C. The selection of carbon support plays a crucial role in affecting Pd particle size and dispersion uniformity. The robust design of Pd-rGO catalyst electrode displays an enhanced electrocatalytic activity and sensitivity toward GOR. The enhanced performance is mainly attributed to the synergetic effect that combines small crystalline size and two-dimensional conductive support, imparting high accessibility to non-enzymatic GOR. The rGO sheets serve as a conductive scaffold, capable of fast conducting electron. The linear plot of current response versus glucose concentration exhibits good correlations within the range of 1-12 mM. The sensitivity of the Pd-rGO catalyst is significantly enhanced by 3.7 times, as compared to the Pd-GS catalyst. Accordingly, the Pd-rGO catalyst electrode can be considered as a potential candidate for non-enzymatic glucose biosensor.

  17. Microwave Deposition of Palladium Catalysts on Graphite Spheres and Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheets for Electrochemical Glucose Sensing

    PubMed Central

    Xie, Jian-De; Zhang, Houan

    2017-01-01

    This work outlines a synthetic strategy inducing the microwave-assisted synthesis of palladium (Pd) nanocrystals on a graphite sphere (GS) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supports, forming the Pd catalysts for non-enzymatic glucose oxidation reaction (GOR). The pulse microwave approach takes a short period (i.e., 10 min) to fast synthesize Pd nanocrystals onto a carbon support at 150 °C. The selection of carbon support plays a crucial role in affecting Pd particle size and dispersion uniformity. The robust design of Pd-rGO catalyst electrode displays an enhanced electrocatalytic activity and sensitivity toward GOR. The enhanced performance is mainly attributed to the synergetic effect that combines small crystalline size and two-dimensional conductive support, imparting high accessibility to non-enzymatic GOR. The rGO sheets serve as a conductive scaffold, capable of fast conducting electron. The linear plot of current response versus glucose concentration exhibits good correlations within the range of 1–12 mM. The sensitivity of the Pd-rGO catalyst is significantly enhanced by 3.7 times, as compared to the Pd-GS catalyst. Accordingly, the Pd-rGO catalyst electrode can be considered as a potential candidate for non-enzymatic glucose biosensor. PMID:28934104

  18. Method of depositing a catalyst on a fuel cell electrode

    DOEpatents

    Dearnaley, Geoffrey; Arps, James H.

    2000-01-01

    Fuel cell electrodes comprising a minimal load of catalyst having maximum catalytic activity and a method of forming such fuel cell electrodes. The method comprises vaporizing a catalyst, preferably platinum, in a vacuum to form a catalyst vapor. A catalytically effective amount of the catalyst vapor is deposited onto a carbon catalyst support on the fuel cell electrode. The electrode preferably is carbon cloth. The method reduces the amount of catalyst needed for a high performance fuel cell electrode to about 0.3 mg/cm.sup.2 or less.

  19. Reaction pathways involved in CH4 conversion on Pd/Al2O3 catalysts : TAP as a powerful tool for the elucidation of the effective role of the metal/support interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Granger, Pascal

    2016-02-01

    Temporal Analysis of Products (TAP) reactor offers an alternative to draw direct structure/activity relationships checked on Natural Gas-fuelled Vehicle (NGV) catalysts Determination of accurate kinetic constants for methane adsorption from single pulse experiments and subsequent investigation of sequential surface reactions from alternative CH4/O2 pulse experiments provides a straightforward visualization of the involvement of the metal/support interface on freshly-prepared catalysts and the loss of this effect on aged single palladium based catalysts.

  20. Natrolite zeolite supported copper nanoparticles as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the 1,3-diploar cycloaddition and cyanation of aryl iodides under ligand-free conditions.

    PubMed

    Nasrollahzadeh, Mahmoud; Sajadi, S Mohammad; Rostami-Vartooni, Akbar; Khalaj, Mehdi

    2015-09-01

    In this paper, we report the preparation of Natrolite zeolite supported copper nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst for 1,3-diploar cycloaddition and synthesis aryl nitriles from aryl iodides under ligand-free conditions. The catalyst was characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS and TG-DTA. The experimental procedure is simple, the products are formed in high yields and the catalyst can be recycled and reused several times without any significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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