Steam reforming of glycerol over Pt-MCM-41 synthesized in a one-step process

Pt-MCM-41 materials were synthesized by a simple method via simultaneous self-assembling and Pt incorporation using cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as a structure directing agent. Structural characterization of the sample was carried out by N₂ sorption, XRD and TEM measurements. The highly ordered structure of MCM-41 was not appreciably affected by the formation of the Pt particles. Unlike related results, the Pt nanoparticles were incorporated into the mesopores and embedded into the pore walls as framework. The Pt-MCM-41 sample was tested as a catalyst in the steam reforming of glycerol in which it exhibited moderate activity, high selectivity to hydrogen, and very low selectivity to light alkanes.