Abstract
The aim of the work was to investigate how the size of Ni and Cu-supported nanoparticles influence their activity in an oxidative steam reforming of methanol. The size of metal particles was controlled by the initial introduction or elimination of oxygen-containing groups on the surface of carbon nanotubes. The results of the activity tests showed that catalysts with the smallest metal nanoparticles were the least active since they easily underwent oxidation during the process.
Highlights
Hydrogen has been recognized as a promising alternative energy carrier as it is a powerful source of clean energy that can be used to directly feed either combustion engines or different types of fuel cells and could avoid the emission of greenhouse gases
The metal catalyst can undergo either oxidation or reduction depending upon the reaction temperature
The presence of oxygen-containing group on the surface carbon nanotubes and structural defects were proven to be responsible for decreasing the size of catalyst nanoparticles
Summary
Hydrogen has been recognized as a promising alternative energy carrier as it is a powerful source of clean energy that can be used to directly feed either combustion engines or different types of fuel cells and could avoid the emission of greenhouse gases. Most of the hydrogen is currently derived from nonrenewable natural gas and petroleum [1]. Hydrogen can be potentially generated from biomass-derived hydrocarbons through catalytic reforming. The reaction mixture of reforming process often consists of both oxidizing (oxygen, water vapor) and reducing (hydrogen, carbon monoxide) agents. The metal catalyst can undergo either oxidation or reduction depending upon the reaction temperature.
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