Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane to Synthesis Gas Over Ni/MgO-Al2O3-AlPO4 Catalysts

Carbon dioxide reforming of methane to synthesis gas was studied over Ni/MgO-Al₂O₃-AlPO₄ catalysts. The conventional Ni/Al₂O₃ and Ni/MgO-Al₂O₃ catalysts were included for comparison. These catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption and hydrogen chemisorption. The results show that Ni/MgO-Al₂O₃-AlPO₄ was more active than the other two catalysts especially at high reaction temperatures. MgO-Al₂O₃-AlPO₄ has a large pore diameter with a very uniform pore size distribution. It can overcome the pore diffusion effect under high temperature reaction conditions.     

Vapour phase oxidation of 4-methylanisole to anisaldehyde over V2O5 /MgO-Al2O3 catalysts

The vapour phase selective oxidation of 4-methylanisole to anisaldehyde was investigated over different V₂O₅ /MgO-Al₂O₃ catalysts at 673 K and normal atmospheric pressure. Among various catalysts investigated the 16 wt% V₂O₅ /MgO-Al₂O₃ catalyst provided good conversion and product selectivity. The MgO-Al₂O₃ mixed oxide was obtained by a co-precipitation method and V₂O₅ was impregnated from ammonium metavanadate. The MgO-Al₂O₃ support and various V₂O₅ /MgO-Al₂O₃ catalysts were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, FT-infrared, electron spin resonance, scanning electron microscopy, ammonia and carbon dioxide chemisorption methods. The characterization results suggest that vanadia does not form layer structures on the support surface, instead interacts very strongly with the support, in particular with MgO, and forms amorphous compounds. The NH₃ and CO₂ uptake results provide an interesting information on the acid-base characteristics of these catalysts and correlate with their catalytic properties.     

Effect of Mg/Al atom ratio of support on catalytic performance of Co-Mo/MgO-Al2O3 catalyst for water gas shift reaction

Co-Mo-based catalysts supported on mixed oxide supports MgO-Al₂O₃ with different Mg/Al atom ratios for water gas shift reaction were studied by means of TPR, Raman, XPS and ESR. It was found that the octahedral Mo species in oxidized Co-Mo/MgO(x)-Al₂O₃ catalyst and the contents of Mo⁵⁺, Mo⁴⁺, S²⁻ and S²⁻₂ species in the functioning catalysts increased with increasing the Mg/Al atom ratio of the support under the studied experimental conditions. This is favorable for the formation of the active Co-Mo-S phase of the catalysts. Catalytic performance testing results showed that the catalysts Co-Mo/MgO-Al₂O₃ with the Mg/Al atom ratio of the support in the range of 0.475–0.525 exhibited optimal catalytic activity for the reaction.     

CO oxidation over Au/Al2O3catalysts modified by MgO

Summary Au/Al₂O₃catalysts modified by MgO were tested in CO oxidation using temperature programmed technique. Contrary to Au/Al₂O₃the modified Au/MgO-Al₂O₃catalysts showed high activity in the sub-ambient and ambient temperature ranges.     

Effect of Ni loadings on the activity and coke formation of MgO-modified Ni/Al2O3 nanocatalyst in dry reforming of methane

MgO-modified Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts with different Ni loadings were prepared and employed in dry reforming of methane (DRM). The effect of Ni loadings on the activity and coke formation of Ni/MgO-Al₂O₃ catalysts were investigated. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by XRD, N₂ adsorption-desorption, SEM, TPO and TPR techniques. The obtained results showed that increasing nickel loading decreased the BET surface area and increased the catalytic activity and amount of deposited carbon. In addition, the effect of gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) and feed ratio were studied.     

Effects of CeO2 and CaO composite promoters on the properties of eggshell Ni/MgO-Al2O3 catalysts for partial oxidation of methane to syngas

The effects of CeO₂ and CaO composite promoters on the properties of eggshell Ni/MgO-Al₂O₃ catalysts of 1.5 mm diameter for the partial oxidation of methane to syngas were investigated. The addition of 1wt.% promoters could enhance the catalytic performance of the Ni/MgO-Al₂O₃ catalyst, while further increasing the promoter content to 4wt.% results in the decrease of reactivity. The catalytic property is related to the oxidizability of surface nickel species.     

Influence of Support Type and Metal Loading in Methane Decomposition over Iron Catalyst for Hydrogen Production

Natural gas resources, stimulate the method of catalytic methane decomposition. Hydrogen is a superb energy carrier and integral component of the present energy systems, while carbon nanotubes exhibit remarkable chemical and physical properties. The reaction was run at 700 °C in a fixed bed reactor. Catalyst calcination and reduction were done at 500 °C. MgO, TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ supported catalysts were prepared using a co‐precipitation method. Catalysts of different iron loadings were characterized with BET, TGA, XRD, H₂‐TPR and TEM. The catalyst characterization revealed the formation of multi‐walled nanotubes. Alternatively, time on stream tests of supported catalyst at 700 °C revealed the relative profiles of methane conversions increased as the %Fe loading was increased. Higher %Fe loadings decreased surface area of the catalyst. Iron catalyst supported with Al₂O₃ exhibited somewhat higher catalytic activity compared with MgO and TiO₂ supported catalysts when above 35% Fe loading was used. CH₄ conversion of 69% was obtained utilizing 60% Fe/Al₂O₃ catalyst. Alternatively, Fe/MgO catalysts gave the highest initial conversions when iron loading below 30% was employed. Indeed, catalysts with 15% Fe/MgO gave 63% conversion and good stability for 1 h time on stream. Inappropriateness of Fe/TiO₂ catalysts in the catalytic methane decomposition was observed.     

Thiophene hydrodesulfurization and diesel fuel hydrorefining activities of XMo6(S)/γ-Al2O3 and Ni-XMo6(S)/γ-Al2O3 (X = Al, Ga, In, Fe, Co, and Ni) catalysts

XMo₆(S)/γ-Al₂O₃ and Ni-XMo₆(S)/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts based on Anderson heteropoly compounds (HPCs), where X = Al, Ga, In, Fe, Co, and Ni, were synthesized. The nature of the precursor HPC determines the activity of the catalysts in thiophene hydrogenolysis and diesel fuel hydrorefining in a flow-through setup. The activity of Ni-XMo₆(S)/γ-Al₂O₃ with X = Al, Ga, and In in diesel fuel dehydrosulfurization increases in the order Al < Ga < In. For catalysts in which the heteroatom is an element of the iron triad, the order of the increasing activities is Fe < Co < Ni. The highest activity in both reactions was observed for catalysts based on InMo₆-HPC and NiMo₆-HPC: the residual sulfur in the hydrogenizates obtained over them at 320°C was 2.5 times lower than over a conventional ammonium paramolybdate-based catalyst, whereas the degree of hydrogenation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) was 15–16 rel. % higher.     

Cooperative effect of Fe and Ti species over Fe–Ti–Ox catalysts on the catalytic hydrolysis performance of hydrogen cyanide

FeO_x, TiO₂, and Fe–Ti–O_x catalysts were synthesized and used in the catalytic hydrolysis of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Nearly 100% HCN conversion was achieved at 250 °C over the Fe–Ti–O_x catalyst. TiO₂ rutile was detected over TiO₂, but not over Fe–Ti–O_x, which suggested that the interaction between Fe and Ti species could inhibit the TiO₂ phase transition. Furthermore, the interaction between Fe and Ti species over Fe–Ti–O_x could promote the selectivity of NH₃ and CO. The mechanism of hydrolysis of HCN over FeO_x, TiO₂, and Fe–Ti–O_x can be given as follows: HCN + H₂O → methanamide → ammonium formate → formic acid → H₂O + CO.     

Facile protection of carbonyl compounds as oxathiolanes and transoxathioacetalization of oxyacetals promoted by iron(III) trifluoroacetate or trifluoromethanesulfonate as chemoselective and recyclable catalysts

Oxathioacetalization of carbonyl compounds and transoxathioacetalization of O,O-acetals/ketals are reported under nearly neutral conditions promoted by iron(III) trifluoroacetate [Fe(CF₃CO₂)₃] or trifluoromethanesulfonate [Fe(CF₃SO₃)₃] as recyclable and highly efficient Lewis acid catalysts.     

Influence of γ-radiation on the reactivity of montmorillonite towards H2O2

Compacted and water saturated bentonite will be used as an engineered barrier in deep geological repositories for radioactive waste in many countries. Due to the high dose rate of ionizing radiation outside the canisters holding the nuclear waste, radiolysis of the interlayer and pore water in the compacted bentonite is unavoidable. Upon reaction with the oxidizing and reducing species formed by water radiolysis (OH^•, e⁻_(aq), H^•, H₂O₂, H₂, HO₂^•, H₃O⁺), the overall redox properties in the bentonite barrier may change. In this study the influence of γ-radiation on the structural Fe(II)/Fe_Tot ratio in montmorillonite and its reactivity towards hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was investigated in parallel experiments. The results show that under anoxic conditions the structural Fe(II)/Fe_Tot ratio of dispersed Montmorillonite increased from ≤3 to 25-30% after γ-doses comparable to repository conditions. Furthermore, a strong correlation between the structural Fe(II)/Fe_Tot ratio and the H₂O₂ decomposition rate in montmorillonite dispersions was found. This correlation was further verified in experiments with consecutive H₂O₂ additions, since the structural Fe(II)/Fe_Tot ratio was seen to decrease concordantly. This work shows that the structural iron in montmorillonite could be a sink for one of the major oxidants formed upon water radiolysis in the bentonite barrier, H₂O₂.     

A theoretical study of electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis on single metal atom/MXene

Electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis under mild conditions is an attractive and challenging process in the earth's nitrogen cycle, which requires efficient and stable catalysts to reduce the overpotential. The N₂ activation and reduction overpotential of different Ti₃C₂O₂-supported transition metal (TM) (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, and Au) single-atom catalysts have been analyzed in terms of the Gibbs free energies calculated using the density functional theory (DFT). The end-on N₂ adsorption was more energetically favorable, and the negative free energies represented good N₂ activation performance, especially in the presence Fe/Ti₃C₂O₂ (?0.75 eV). The overpotentials of Fe/Ti₃C₂O₂, Co/Ti₃C₂O₂, Ru/Ti₃C₂O₂, and Rh/Ti₃C₂O₂ were 0.92, 0.89, 1.16, and 0.84 eV, respectively. The potential required for ammonia synthesis was different for different TMs and ranged from 0.68 to 2.33 eV. Two possible potential-limiting steps may be involved in the process: (i) hydrogenation of N₂ to *NNH and (ii) hydrogenation of *NH₂ to ammonia. These catalysts can change the reaction pathway and avoid the traditional N–N bond-breaking barrier. It also simplifies the understanding of the relationship between the Gibbs free energy and overpotential, which is a significant factor in the rational designing and large-scale screening of catalysts for the electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis.     

On the Influence of Oxygen on the Degradation of Fe‐N‐C Catalysts

Fe‐N‐C catalysts containing atomic FeN_x sites are promising candidates as precious‐metal‐free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The durability of Fe‐N‐C catalysts in fuel cells has been extensively studied using accelerated stress tests (AST). Herein we reveal stronger degradation of the Fe‐N‐C structure and four‐times higher ORR activity loss when performing load cycling AST in O₂‐ vs. Ar‐saturated pH 1 electrolyte. Raman spectroscopy results show carbon corrosion after AST in O₂, even when cycling at low potentials, while no corrosion occurred after any load cycling AST in Ar. The load‐cycling AST in O₂ leads to loss of a significant fraction of FeN_x sites, as shown by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses, and to the formation of Fe oxides. The results support that the unexpected carbon corrosion occurring at such low potential in the presence of O₂ is due to reactive oxygen species produced between H₂O₂ and Fe sites via Fenton reactions.     

Effect of Calcination Temperature on Surface Oxygen Vacancies and Catalytic Performance Towards CO Oxidation of Co3O4 Nanoparticles Supported on SiO2

Co₃O₄/SiO₂ catalysts for CO oxidation were prepared by conventional incipient wetness impregnation followed by calcination at various temperatures. Their structures were char-acterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Both XRD and Raman spectroscopy only detect the ex-istence of Co₃O₄ crystallites in all catalysts. However, XPS results indicate that excess Co²⁺ ions are present on the surface of Co₃O₄ in Co₃O₄(200)/SiO₂ as compared with bulk Co₃O₄. Meanwhile, TPR results suggest the presence of surface oxygen vacancies on Co₃O₄ in Co₃O₄(200)/SiO₂, and XAFS results demonstrate that Co₃O₄ in Co₃O₄(200)/SiO₂ con-tains excess Co²⁺. Increasing calcination temperature results in oxidation of excess Co²⁺ and the decrease of the concentration of surface oxygen vacancies, consequently the for-mation of stoichiometric Co₃O₄ on supported catalysts. Among all Co₃O₄/SiO₂ catalysts,Co₃O₄(200)/SiO₂ exhibits the best catalytic performance towards CO oxidation, demon-strating that excess Co²⁺ and surface oxygen vacancies can enhance the catalytic activity of Co₃O₄ towards CO oxidation. These results nicely demonstrate the effect of calcination temperature on the structure and catalytic performance towards CO oxidation of silica-supported Co₃O₄ catalysts and highlight the important role of surface oxygen vacancies on Co₃O₄.     

Catalytic behavior of supported Pd catalysts in the selective hydrogenation of campholenic aldehyde to naturanol

Selective catalytic reduction of campholenic aldehyde to naturanol was investigated over Sn-and Fe-doped SiO₂, and Fe₂O₃-supported Pd catalysts. On Pd/SiO₂ and Pd-Sn/SiO₂ only saturated campholenic aldehyde is formed. Addition of Fe increases the C=O hydrogenation rate producing the corresponding unsaturated alcohol with a good selectivity. Also Fe₂O₃-supported catalysts were found to be more selective towards carbonyl hydrogenation. Addition of tin to Pd/Fe₂O₃ contributes to a further selectivity enhancement towards naturanol.     

ACo_2O_4/HZSM-5催化剂上N_2O的直接分解

分别采用柠檬酸络合燃烧法和低温络合浸渍法制备尖晶石型复合金属氧化物催化剂ACo2O4(A=Mg,Ni,Zn)和分子筛负载尖晶石型复合金属氧化物催化剂ACo2O4/HZSM-5(A=Mg,Fe,Ni,Cu,Zn,Zr,La).采用X射线衍射(XRD)、氨程序升温脱附(NH3-TPD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和X射线能谱(EDS)等手段对催化剂进行表征,并在固定床微型反应器中评价其催化分解N2O活性.实验结果表明,A位离子种类影响ACo2O4/HZSM-5催化剂活性,以Ni、Fe、Zr或La为A位离子时,催化剂的活性较好,N2O分解温度低.ACo2O4/HZSM-5催化剂的活性高于ACo2O4尖晶石型复合氧化物,一方面是ACo2O4在分子筛HZSM-5载体上高度分散,使其以超细颗粒形态存在,另一方面ACo2O4/HZSM-5催化剂具有适宜的酸性,可提高催化剂的活性.     

Hydrogen production via autothermal reforming of ethanol over noble metal catalysts supported on oxides

Hydrogen was produced over noble metal (Ir, Ru, Rh, Pd) catalysts supported on various oxides, including γ-Al₂O₃, CeO₂, ZrO₂ and La₂O₃, via the autothermal reforming reaction of ethanol (ATRE) and oxidative reforming reaction of ethanol (OSRE). The conversion of ethanol and selectivites for hydrogen and byproducts such as methane, ethylene and acetaldehyde were studied. It was found that lanthana alone possessed considerable activity for the ATRE reaction, which could be used as a functional support for ATRE catalysts. It was demonstrated that Ir/La₂O₃ prevented the formation of methane, and Rh/La₂O₃ encumbered the production of ethylene and acetaldehyde. ATRE reaction was carried out over La₂O₃-supported catalysts (Ir/La₂O₃) with good stability on stream, high conversion, and excellent hydrogen selectivity approaching thermodynamic limit under autothermal condition. Typically, 3.4 H₂ molecules can be extracted from a pair of ethanol and water molecules over Ir(5wt%)/La₂O₃. The results presented in this paper indicate that Ir/La₂O₃ can be used as a promising catalyst for hydrogen production via ATRE reaction from renewable ethanol.     

Effect of La2O3 on a Precipitated Iron Catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

A series of La₂O₃-promoted precipitated iron catalysts (100Fe/2.8Si/nLa, n = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4, atomic ratio) were prepared and characterized by in situ X-ray diffraction, CO temperature-programmed reduction, and N₂ adsorption-desorption. The catalytic performance for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was studied in a fixed-bed reactor. It was found that the addition of a small amount of La₂O₃ (La/Fe ≤ 0.01) gave a large decrease in the particle size of Fe₂O₃, which increased the specific surface area and dispersion of the catalysts. This also favored the formation of iron carbides, which gave a high catalytic activity in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. With increasing La₂O₃ content (La/Fe ≥ 0.02), a high La₂O₃ coverage and the formation of a LaFeO₃ compound decreased the formation of iron carbides, and the reaction activity decreased. The optimum La₂O₃ content was La/Fe = 0.01. The addition of La₂O₃ increased the selectivity for methane and suppressed the formation of C₅₊ hydrocarbons.     

On the Influence of Oxygen on the Degradation of Fe-N-C Catalysts

Fe-N-C catalysts containing atomic FeN_x sites are promising candidates as precious-metal-free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The durability of Fe-N-C catalysts in fuel cells has been extensively studied using accelerated stress tests (AST). Herein we reveal stronger degradation of the Fe-N-C structure and four-times higher ORR activity loss when performing load cycling AST in O₂- vs. Ar-saturated pH 1 electrolyte. Raman spectroscopy results show carbon corrosion after AST in O₂, even when cycling at low potentials, while no corrosion occurred after any load cycling AST in Ar. The load-cycling AST in O₂ leads to loss of a significant fraction of FeN_x sites, as shown by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses, and to the formation of Fe oxides. The results support that the unexpected carbon corrosion occurring at such low potential in the presence of O₂ is due to reactive oxygen species produced between H₂O₂ and Fe sites via Fenton reactions.     

Ultrathin Coating of Confined Pt Nanocatalysts by Atomic Layer Deposition for Enhanced Catalytic Performance in Hydrogenation Reactions

Metal‐support interfaces play a prominent role in heterogeneous catalysis. However, tailoring the metal‐support interfaces to realize full utilization remains a major challenge. In this work, we propose a graceful strategy to maximize the metal‐oxide interfaces by coating confined nanoparticles with an ultrathin oxide layer. This is achieved by sequential deposition of ultrathin Al₂O₃ coats, Pt, and a thick Al₂O₃ layer on carbon nanocoils templates by atomic layer deposition (ALD), followed by removal of the templates. Compared with the Pt catalysts confined in Al₂O₃ nanotubes without the ultrathin coats, the ultrathin coated samples have larger Pt–Al₂O₃ interfaces. The maximized interfaces significantly improve the activity and the protecting Al₂O₃ nanotubes retain the stability for hydrogenation reactions of 4‐nitrophenol. We believe that applying ALD ultrathin coats on confined catalysts is a promising way to achieve enhanced performance for other catalysts.