An attempt to bridge the pressure and material gap with a disperse model catalyst for low-temperature alkane reforming

Abstract

Pt black was exposed to n>-hexane/H2 mixtures between 483 and 663 K followed by O2 and H2 treatments at 603 K. XP and UP spectra were measured without exposing the samples to air. 20–30% carbon accumulated after hydrocarbon exposures. O2 removed most carbon. The surface C content increased after a subsequent contact with H2, C 1s showing more “atomic carbon” as opposed to graphite after n-hexane exposure. Anisotropic recrystallization of Pt black favoring (220) and (311) lattice planes occurred under hydrogen-rich conditions. Both findings were attributed to a H2-induced solid-state rearrangement; H atoms penetrating into the crystal lattice, force subsurface carbon and oxygen atoms to the surface and a concomitant restructuring would occur. Thus another “hydrogen effect” has been recognized, leading to structures favorable for skeletal reactions of alkanes.