Abstract
Rhodium nanoparticles dispersed on a variety of composite supports, M x O y -Al 2 O 3 (M: Ti, Y, Zr, La, Ce, Nd, Gd), were investigated for the propane steam reforming (PSR) reaction aiming to the efficient production of hydrogen. Addition of M x O y resulted in a significant promotion of intrinsic activity which varies depending on M x O y nature with the La 2 O 3 -containing sample exhibiting optimum performance. Selectivity toward methane side-product follows the same trend with that of PSR activity implying that methane is a key reaction intermediate. In situ DRIFTS experiments demonstrated that PSR reaction proceeds via intermediate formation of CH x species which are either hydrogenated toward CH 4 or interacted with OH groups yielding formates that are further decomposed to H 2 and CO x . Rh/10%La 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 and Rh/10%Gd 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 catalysts were synthesized in the form of pellets and investigated using simulated liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as feed, and proved to be promising candidates for the LPG steam reforming reaction. • One order of magnitude enhancements in Rh-catalyzed PSR by M x O y -Al 2 O 3 supports. • 0.5%Rh/10% La 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 catalyst exhibits optimum catalytic activity. • The increase in catalytic activity is closely accompanied by an increase in S CH4 . • DRIFTS studies revile that C 3 H 8 -derived CH x species are key reaction intermediates. • Rh/La 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 and Rh/Gd 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 found promising in simulated LPG-SR tests.
Published Version
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