Traditional Impregnation Research Articles

One-Pot Synthesis of Highly Dispersed VO2 on g-C3N4 Nanomeshes for Advanced Oxidation

Advanced oxidation catalyzed by metal oxides is a promising approach for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater. A critical strategy to enhance the performance of these catalysts is optimizing the dispersion of their active components through innovative synthesis methods. In this study, we report a one-pot synthesis of g-C3N4 nanomeshes supported with highly dispersed VO2 catalysts (V-g-C3N4) for the advanced oxidation of methylene blue (MB). The characterization results reveal that the involvement of VCl3 in the pyrolysis of melamine facilitates the formation of g-C3N4 nanomeshes with abundant amino groups (NH/NH2). The strong interaction between vanadia species and amino groups prevents VO2 particles from agglomerating, resulting in a significantly higher vanadia dispersion than V-g-C3N4-im synthesized via the traditional impregnation method. V-g-C3N4 exhibits a sophisticated microstructure and surface structure, which leads to a rate constant 2.3-fold higher than V-g-C3N4-im in the catalytic degradation of methylene blue using H2O2 as the oxidant. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, trapping experiments, and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements reveal that the rapid adsorption and fast diffusion of MB over g-C3N4 nanomeshes, together with the efficient H2O2 activation into ·OH radicals via the V4+/V5+ redox cycle, synergistically contribute to the superior MB removal efficiency of V-g-C3N4. Moreover, V-g-C3N4 demonstrates no significant decrease in activity even after the fourth cycle, indicating its excellent stability during the pollutant removal process.

Highly efficient Ru/CeO2 catalyst using colloidal chemical method for propane oxidation

Although supported-Ru catalysts have been widely studied for the light alkane oxidation root in their lower cost compared to Pt and Pd, developing Ru-based catalysts with high efficiency for low-temperature light alkane elimination remains a significant challenge. Herein, Ru/CeO2 catalysts were prepared utilizing the colloidal synthesis (Ru/CeO2-CS) and compared with the catalyst prepared with the traditional impregnation method (Ru/CeO2-IM) in the textural properties and catalytic propane oxidation. It was discovered that Ru/CeO2-CS sample contained a higher concentration of active Ru − O − Ce interface and oxygen vacancies attributed to the strong Ru-CeO2 interaction, which further enhanced the redox capacity. Besides, the lower valence state of Ru species and higher contents of Lewis acid sites on Ru/CeO2-CS sample boosted the adsorption, dissociation, and activation of propane, thus promoting the deep oxidation of propane to CO2 and H2O. The reaction mechanism of propane oxidation was revealed by in-situ DRIFTS, and both the catalysts showed bands related to acrylate species, suggesting that propane underwent an acrylate oxidation pathway on Ru/CeO2-CS and Ru/CeO2-IM samples. The distinct textural properties of these catalysts resulted in Ru/CeO2-CS synthesized by colloidal methods showing a T90 of 170 °C, and Ea of 50.9 ± 1.8 kJ·mol−1, markedly lower than Ru/CeO2-IM prepared with the traditional impregnation method. Apart from the activity, the Ru/CeO2-CS sample obtained superior water resistance, thermal stability, and durability. This comprehensive work provides promising insights into low-temperature propane oxidation.

Regulation of Ir Dopant in Mo Oxides by Flame Spray Pyrolysis for Efficient CO2 Hydrogenation.

Mo carbide is recognized as one of the most promising catalysts for CO2 utilization via reverse water-gas shift (RWGS). However, the catalysts always suffered from low processing capacity, undesired products and deactivation. Herein, an Ir modified MoO3 synthesized by the flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) method exhibits higher reaction rate (63.0 gCO2 gcat -1 h-1) compared to the one made by traditional impregnation method (45.8 gCO2 gcat -1 h-1) over the RWGS reaction at 600 °C. The distinguishing feature between the two catalysts lies in the chemical state and space distribution of Ir species. Ir species predominated in the bulk phase of MoO3 during the quenching process of the FSP method and were mainly in the metallic states, which was revealed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) characterizations. In contrast, the Ir introduced via the impregnation method was mainly on the surface of MoO3 and in the oxidized state. The regulation of Ir dopant in MoO3 catalyst by different methods determines the carbonization process from MoO3 to Mo carbides and thus affects the catalytic performance over RWGS reaction. This work sheds light on the superiority of the FSP method in synthesizing Mo oxides with heteroatoms and further creating an efficient Mo-based catalyst for CO2 conversion.

MATERIALS FOR IMPREGNATION OF POROUS METALLIZATION THERMAL SPRAYED ANTICORROSIVE COATINGS OF SUBMERSIBLE OILFIELD EQUIPMENT. Part 2

The use of thermal sprayed coatings in aggressive petroleum fluid is limited due to the presence of porosity in it. When fluid gets into the pores, corrosion processes begin and thereby reduce the protective properties of thermal sprayed coating. The application of impregnating compounds makes it possible to seal open porosity and prevent the penetration of aggressive environments into the metal under the coating, thereby increasing the barrier properties of the coating. Epoxy polymer materials demonstrate high corrosion resistance and are widely used in the oil industry to protect pipeline elements and submersible oilfield equipment during operation. The second part of the article presents both traditional polymer impregnation materials and new compositions with magnetic nanoparticles and nanocarbon fillers (fullerenes, graphene and nanotubes) which, due to the created magnetic field, are evenly distributed throughout the polymer matrix and increase the crack resistance of the matrix. Polymer impregnating materials of both domestic and foreign production based on phenolic, epoxy, acrylic and urethane resins, modes of their application, conditions of their operation and temperature restrictions are considered. The possibility of using existing independent anti-corrosion polymer coatings as an impregnation of metallization thermal sprayed layers is discussed. Their advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. Examples of self-healing polymer matrices are given that are capable of recognizing the onset of corrosion processes and responding by releasing appropriate effective self-healing agents. The possibility of adding inhibitors to the polymer matrix is described, which helps to increase the anti-corrosion properties of the coating and thereby increase the time between failures of equipment. The issue of normative regulation of the use of impregnating compositions in various fields of industry is covered. The main directions of research that need to be carried out to solve the problem of using polymer materials as the most promising impregnating compositions for anti-corrosion thermal sprayed coatings of submersible oilfield equipment have been identified. First of all, it is necessary to reduce the viscosity of polymer resins to increase their penetration into open pores.

Polyethyleneimine NH2-UiO-66 nanofiller-based mixed matrix membranes for natural gas purification

Effective separation of CO2 from CH4 is crucial for the purification of natural gas, which requires membrane materials with high permeability, selectivity, and stability of under high pressures. In this work, a high CO2-affinity MOF-based nanofiller (Pin@NH2-UiO-66) was prepared and integrated in polyetherimide (PEI) to prepare mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for enhanced CO2/CH4 separation capabilities. The Pin@NH2-UiO-66 nanofiller comprised an in situ-formed polyethyleneimine-NH2-UiO-66 composite prepared via a one-pot synthesis. The polyethyleneimine was covalently attached to the H2BDC-NH2 ligand allowing for a stronger integration within the PEI matrix. The polyethyleneimine affects the nucleation of MOF, leading to miniaturization of the MOF particles. The smaller-sized filler is beneficial for improved interaction at the filler-matrix interface. The numerous amino functionalities grafted onto the NH2-UiO-66 increased the CO2 adsorption sites, thereby enhancing the affinity for CO2. Owing to the improved interaction, the elevated CO2 attraction, and the inherent properties of the porous NH2-UiO-66, the fabricated MMMs preformed superior in separating CO2/CH4. The 30-Pin@NH2-UiO-66-PEI membrane (containing 30 wt% nanofiller) exhibited a CO2/CH4 selectivity of 27.7 and a CO2 permeability of 2498.9 Barrer. The CO2 permeability was 21 times greater than that of the pristine PEI membrane, and 4 times higher compared to P@NH2-UiO-66 MMM with polyethyleneimine modified MOF filler prepared by a traditional wet impregnation method. Additionally, the novel MMM demonstrates excellent separation stability under conditions that mimic industrial settings, demonstrating its potential application for natural gas purification.

Enhancement of Ni-NiO-CeO2 Interaction on Ni-CeO2/Al2O3-MgO Catalyst by Ammonia Vapor Diffusion Impregnation for CO2 Reforming of CH4.

Ni-based catalysts have been widely used for the CO2 reforming of methane (CRM) process, but deactivation is their main problem. This study created an alternative electronic Ni-NiO-CeO2 interaction on the surface of 5 wt% Ni-5 wt% CeO2/Al2O3-MgO (5Ni5Ce(xh)/MA) catalysts to enhance catalytic potential simultaneously with coke resistance for the CRM process. The Ni-NiO-CeO2 network was developed on Al2O3-MgO through layered double hydroxide synthesis via our ammonia vapor diffusion impregnation method. The physical properties of the fresh catalysts were analyzed employing FESEM, N2 physisorption, and XRD. The chemical properties on the catalyst surface were analyzed employing H2-TPR, XPS, H2-TPD, CO2-TPD, and O2-TPD. The CRM performances of reduced catalysts were evaluated at 600 °C under ambient pressure. Carbon deposits on spent catalysts were determined quantitatively and qualitatively by TPO, FESEM, and XRD. Compared to 5 wt% Ni-5 wt% CeO2/Al2O3-MgO prepared by the traditional impregnation method, the electronic interaction of the Ni-NiO-CeO2 network with the Al2O3-MgO support was constructed along the time of ammonia diffusion treatment. The electronic interaction in the Ni-NiO-CeO2 nanostructure of the treated catalyst develops surface hydroxyl sites with an efficient pathway of OH* and O* transfer that improves catalytic activities and coke oxidation.

Amidoximated‐Wood Derived Carbons as Advanced Self‐Standing Electrodes for Supercapacitor and Water Splitting

AbstractWood‐derived carbons demonstrate great potential as self‐standing electrodes in energy storage/conversion applications, including supercapacitors and water‐splitting devices. However, the key challenge remains the rational customization of surface functionalities for optimized performance. This study introduces an innovative approach to self‐standing wood‐derived carbons with tailored nitrogen and metal functionalities. In contrast to traditional impregnation techniques, which offer limited precision in surface modification, this approach entails the intentional attachment of amidoxime groups to the wood substrates. These groups serve as nitrogen sources, and create abundant surface anchoring sites for metal ions due to the chelation between the amidoxime groups and metals. The resulting carbons feature uniform and high dispersion of nitrogen and metal functionalities, along with a distinctive hierarchical porosity combining interconnected open channels with abundant mesopores. As a proof‐of‐concept, different metals are incorporated (i.e., Mn, Co, Ni) into the amidoximated‐wood precursors, and the resulting self‐standing carbons showcase excellent performance in both supercapacitors and water‐splitting applications. Leveraging the specific chelating ability of amidoxime groups toward metal ions, this strategy holds great potential as a generic approach to systematically tailoring the surface functionalities of carbon‐based materials for various electrochemical energy storage/conversion processes.

Novel strategy to regulate the geometric and electronic structure of Pt catalyst for efficient propane combustion

The geometric and electronic structure of Pt active sites plays a crucial role in determining the catalysts performance, but precise regulation remains challenging. Herein, we propose a novel approach to modulate the nature of Pt active sites by combining photo-deposition of Pt nanoparticles with ultra-low Mo loading (0.1 wt%) modification on Pt/SiO2 catalysts. The addition of ultra-low loading Mo promoter not only effectively reduces the size of Pt particles but also donates electrons to the Pt particles. Furthermore, the photo-deposited Pt particles exhibit a higher proportion of metallic Pt species, which is more stable than that metallic Pt species obtained by H2 reduction, compared to those prepared using traditional wetness impregnation methods. Propane oxidation activity evaluations confirm that the photo-deposited and Mo-modified Pt/0.1Mo/SiO2-P catalyst exhibits the highest activity among all the prepared catalysts. Combined with experiments of C3H8-TPSR and in-situ DRIFT spectra of propane oxidation, it is found that the Pt/0.1Mo/SiO2-P catalyst remarkably promotes propane activation and C-H bond cleavage due to the nature change of Pt active sites, and the presence of gaseous oxygen benefits propane cleavage on active sites. Our primary results provide a promising strategy for designing superior platinum catalysts by regulating Pt active sites nature for efficient propane complete oxidation.

Advancing thermochemical storage: synthesis and characterization of cement-based composite materials

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is crucial for sustainability of the energy sector, yet the development of cost-effective, robust materials remains a significant challenge. This study aims at exploring the synthesis and thermal characterization of cement-based composites for seasonal thermochemical energy storage, with the goal to harness the high energy density of hygroscopic salts while mitigating their limitations. We investigate composites with several cement matrices to improve salt-cement compatibility. Furthermore, we investigate the possible incorporation of porous low-cost compounds to enhance porosity and improve economic aspects. As far as the characterization aspects are concerned, we show experimental adsorption isotherms at different temperatures to estimate key material properties like isosteric heat and water uptake, along with the relevant figures of merit such as energy density. Our research leverages on adjustable porosity and affordability of cement as a host matrix for the ‘active phase’. We studied two synthesis approaches: traditional dry impregnation and an in-situ technique suitable for cements. The in-situ method, being straightforward and reproducible, permits greater control over salt content. Preliminary cost analysis positions these composites competitively in the market. Although we are still at sub-optimal stage, potential cost reduction of some less popular cement matrices suggests an opportunity for improvement.

Effect of modified surface of Co/Al2O3 on properties and catalytic performance for CO2 reforming of methane

This work objective is to reveal the advantages of the 10 wt%Co/Al2O3 catalyst that the Co surface was constructed through the impregnation associated with the 6 h of ammonia vapor diffusion (10Co(T)/Al2O3). The modified surface catalyst was characterized and tested for CO2 reforming of methane reaction (CRM) that converts two main greenhouse gases into H2 fuel and syngas. Compared with the 10 wt%Co/Al2O3 catalyst that the Co surface formed by traditional impregnation (10Co/Al2O3), the characterization outcome examined the creation of high-dispersive Co species on the modified surface catalyst. The dispersion of cobalt oxide derived by this method provided more Co2+/Co3+ on the surface, collaborated with the stronger metal-support interaction, which generates more oxygen vacancies. Consequently, this modified Co surface on 10 wt%Co/Al2O3 catalyst demonstrated higher activities and prevented the deposition of the hardest removable coke type during the CRM reaction time-on-stream. Overall, the Co surface of 10 wt%Co/Al2O3 catalyst prepared by impregnation associated with the 6 h of ammonia vapor diffusion had formed a high dispersion of small Co2+/Co3+ connecting with the support that developed abilities of Co/Al2O3 catalyst into a more practical CRM catalyst.

Atomic Pt Sites Anchored in the Interface between Grains on Vacancy-Enriched CeO2 Nanosheets: One-Step Precursor Combustion Synthesis.

Atomic metal catalysts have unique electronic, structural, and catalytic properties, which are widely used in the field of catalysis. However, designing new simple synthesis methods to fabricate atomic metal catalysts is a challenge in catalytic applications. Herein, a one-step precursor combustion strategy is presented that starts directly from precursors of metal salts, using a spontaneous combustion process convert platinum nitrate to atomic Pt sites. The atomic Pt sites with low valence are anchored in the formed interface between grains on vacancy-enriched CeO2 nanosheets. The obtained Pt/CeO2-2 catalyst exhibits much higher three-way catalytic activities at low temperatures than Pt/CeO2-C catalysts prepared using the traditional impregnation method. Density functional theory calculations show that the generated lower valent Pt atoms in the CeO2 interface promote catalytic activity through reducing the energy barrier, and lead to an overall improvement of three-way catalytic activities. This facile strategy provides new insights into the study of the properties and applications of atomic noble metal catalysts.

In-situ reconstruction of LaCoO3-Co3O4 hetero-interface over lanthanum modified Co3O4 nanocatalyst for improved catalytic activity and sintering resistance in methane combustion

Nanoparticles-based catalysts still suffer from deactivation due to sintering and structural collapse through long-time running at high reaction temperature. Developing simple strategy for improving the sintering resistance of nanoparticles is of great importance for fabrication of durable heterogeneous catalysts. In this work, lanthanum was used to prevent Co3O4 nanoparticles from sintering with restricting growth of nanocrystals by in-situ generation of LaCoO3 perovskite phase during thermal ageing process, further building LaCoO3-Co3O4 hetero-interface with strong interfacial effect. Specifically, the Co3O4 nanocatalyst was loaded with different amount of La by traditional impregnation method and a series of characterizations were carried out to explore the physical and chemical properties of the as-prepared catalysts, including XRD, Raman, BET, SEM, HRTEM, XPS, H2-TPR and O2-TPD. It was found that 5 wt% La-Co3O4 has the highest catalytic activity in CH4 combustion and the value of T90 (temperature of 90% methane conversion) between fresh and aged was only 9 ºC, while this value was 108 ºC over pure Co3O4 sample. The Raman, XPS, H2-TPR and O2-TPD results exhibited that the synergistic effect between Co3O4 and LaCoO3 could not only induce lattice distortion in Co3O4 with more defects and adsorbed oxygen species, enhanced oxygen mobility and reducibility, but also significantly suppress the growth of Co3O4 nanocrystals during thermal ageing treatment.

Plasma‐catalytic CO2 methanation over NiO/bentonite catalysts prepared by solution combustion synthesis

AbstractA solution combustion synthesis (SCS) process to prepare nickel catalyst over bentonite (NiO/Ben) is reported. Compared to the traditional impregnation method, NiO/ben produced by SCS has smaller nickel particle size and higher dispersion. With a metal loading of 20 wt%, the afforded NiO/Ben demonstrates excellent catalytic activity for CO2 methanation in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor. In certain discharge conditions (H2:CO2 ratio of 5 in feed gas, discharge input power of 45 W, and gas hourly space velocity of 11 320 h−1), CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity are as high as 55.8% and 84.6%, respectively. Under the conditions of plasma configuration, the strong interaction between the nickel species and the support plays an important role in the CO2 methanation process.

Mechanochemistry: A Green and Fast Method to Prepare a New Generation of Metal Supported Catalysts

In this review, we report on recent advances in the use of mechanochemistry to synthesise new catalytic materials. We report recent results obtained by our groups where a rational design of the milling parameters led to the synthesis of advanced materials with novel properties such as unconventional arrangements of metals on the surface of oxide support materials, highly dispersed metals or the stabilisation of species in particular oxidation states. These properties resulted in superior catalytic performances of the mechanochemically-synthesised catalysts compared to their counterparts prepared by traditional impregnation methods. To illustrate these advances, we review the progress made in two important fields of catalysis where noble metals are used: (i) emission control catalysis using palladium-based materials; (ii) the development of photocatalysts to produce hydrogen based on gold and palladium materials.

Evaluation of a novel nickel ceramic filter prepared by urea precipitation method for removal of tars from biomass syngas using naphthalene as tar model compound

Gasification has been shown to be an effective thermal conversion process for waste biomass in order to create fuel, specialty chemicals, and hydrogen. Gasification is likely to take on a major role in the near future in the burgeoning hydrogen economy. In order to improve the commercial viability of gasification, catalytic tar reforming has come to the forefront as one of the most promising methods of reducing the tar content that has been detrimental to downstream equipment in the process. The use of catalytic ceramic filters has presented promising potential for this application that can serve dual role of tar and particulate removal. In this study, a nickel-based ceramic filter has been prepared using urea vacuum impregnation technique and evaluated for tar removal efficiencies. The urea technique was more effective than traditional impregnation techniques at uniformly dispersing nickel across the surface of the ceramic filter, driving the nickel particles to penetrate the pores of the support, thus aiding in improved tar removal capabilities. Through steam reforming studies using a naphthalene simulant tar molecule, the 15 wt% nickel filter was able to reduce the naphthalene content by 97% at temperature of 750 °C over 2 h. An activation energy of 126.4 kJmol was achieved for steam reforming using the urea vacuum impregnated catalytic filter compared to 136.4 kJmol using the incipient wetness impregnated filter.

Air-stable and reusable porous silica-supported ultrafine Nix-NiO nanoparticles for semi-hydrogenation of alkynes

The practical application of non-noble metal-based hydrogenation catalysts is limited because of their low activity and easy oxidation in air. Here, porous silica-supported ultrafine nickel oxide (NiO) was prepared by calcining an organic–inorganic hybrid 3D nanomaterial that was formed via the Michael addition/Schiff’s base reaction, and hydrolyzation of triethoxysilane. NiO nanoparticles with ca. 2.6 nm diameter was uniformly dispersed and confined in the cogenerated mesoporous SiO2 skeleton, thanks to the coordination between pyrogallol/amino units and Ni2+ ions, and the isolation effect of Si-O-Si network. The as-prepared catalyst featured mesoporous structure and high specific surface area (715 m2/g), and exhibited excellent activity, selectivity and reusability in the semi-hydrogenation of alkynes. Small amount of metallic nickel (Nix-NiO) that formed on the surface of NiO nanoparticles during the semi-hydrogenation acted as the active species, and the moderate adsorption/desorption energies on Nix-NiO facilitated the activity enhancement. Most importantly, it showed constant catalytic activity and selectivity after a long-term storage in air. This work provides a green and feasible strategy, as an alternative to the traditional impregnation method, for the preparation of ultrafine metal-supported catalysts with air-stability and reusability.

Densification of SiCf/mullite composite via vacuum pressure impregnation process towards excellent mechanical and microwave absorbing performance

A simple and low-cost method for preparing SiCf/mullite composites with high density, mechanical, and absorbing performance using a vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) system has been developed. The densification mechanism of the mullite matrix was investigated, and the effects of impregnation pressures on the flexural strength, interfacial bonding strength, and the electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing performance of SiCf/mullite composites were also studied. The dense composite was prepared under 3 MPa pressure with a porosity of 6.23 % and median pore diameters (MPDs) of 13.02 nm. The preparation efficiency was improved with the impregnation circles decreased from 20 times to 13 times. The flexural strength of SiCf/mullite composites prepared by VPI is 297 MPa, which is improved 230 % of the one prepared by the traditional vacuum impregnation method. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of appropriate impedance matching and multiple polarization loss, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL < −10 dB) of the SiCf/mullite composites increases from 2.17 GHz to 2.80 GHz in the X band.This work has a positive application value for the manufacture of high-strength EMW absorbing composites in terms of significantly reducing the preparation cost and cycle duration.

Architecting multi-active center on 3DOM La0.76Ce0.19Ag0.05Mn0.9Co0.1O3-δ perovskite for soot oxidation

Precise construction of multiple active centers on perovskite oxides is recognized as a feasible and promising strategy to cooperatively promote the catalytic performances. Herein, 3DOM La0.76Ce0.19Ag0.05Mn0.9Co0.1O3-δ perovskite was designed and further treated within H2/N2 flow. High-temperature reduction did not destroy the original structure of perovskite, while the lattice Ag and Co were exsolved on perovskite surfaces to form Ag/Ag2O and Co@Co3O4. Compared with the traditional impregnation method, this strategy provided the active nanoparticles with smaller size, higher dispersion, and stronger interaction with perovskite matrix. XPS and O2-TPD indicated that the exsolved Ag and Co components could not only act as the O2 activation sites to accelerate the generation of active oxygen species on surfaces, but also offered the electrons to the oxygen vacancy on the perovskite. In addition, the vacancy formed after A-site and B-site cations exsolution could also adsorb and activate O2, ultimately boosting the catalytic combustion of soot. As a result, the developed perovskite exhibited a competitive catalytic activity with the T50 of 364 ℃ under the condition of 500 ppm NO + 5 % O2/N2. This work offered a facile and effective pathway to assemble high-performance perovskite-type oxides for heterogeneous catalysis.

Fabrication of stable and selective non‐noble metal catalysts for selective alkyne hydrogenation

AbstractModification of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts with Sn is appealing for tuning catalyst activity and selectivity for hydrogenation reactions. However, a strong interaction between the Al2O3 and Sn ions can lead to problems when a traditional impregnation strategy is employed. For example, tin aluminate complexes can form and uneven distribution of the metals can occur. In this work, a support coordination induction strategy is developed, in which the use of a rod‐shaped Al2O3 with a high number penta‐coordinated Al3+ surface species prepared from a rotating liquid film reactor was used. The unsaturated Al3+ coordination sites on this support induce the formation of a stable and uniform Ni‐Sn intermetallic phase without the appearance of either monometallic Ni or SnO2 particles. This uniform Ni‐Sn intermetallic phase was then shown to be responsible for enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability for alkyne hydrogenation relative to samples which lacked the same level of Ni‐Sn uniformity.

Novel BaO-decorated carbon-tolerant Ni-YSZ anode fabricated by an efficient phase inversion-impregnation approach

In this study, an efficient phase inversion-impregnation approach is developed for fabricating BaO-decorated Ni-8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode-supported tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) toward anti-coking. This technique involves a simple phase-inversion process, along with the saturated barium nitrate solution as coagulation bath. Experimental results show that BaO nanoislands with particle size of less than 100 nm have been successfully and uniformly introduced inside the Ni-YSZ anode. The corresponding peak power densities are determined to be 0.30 W cm−2 and 0.22 W cm−2 at 800 °C in wet hydrogen and methane fuel, respectively. The long-term stability in methane fuel with the BaO-decorated anode is significantly improved with respect to the pristine one. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the loading of BaO nanoislands can efficiently capture and dissociate the H2O molecules to generate OH, which subsequently serves as effective carbon elimination medium. The OH diffusion from BaO to BaO/Ni interface coupling with the formation of COH is the key step involved in the carbon elimination mechanism. The as-proposed phase inversion-impregnation approach exhibits advantage in time and cost savings compared to traditional impregnation methods, providing a new route for fabricating anti-coking SOFC anodes.