Nano-dimensional CeO2 nanorods for high Ni loading catalysts: H2 production by autothermal steam reforming of methanol reaction

• Published in: Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP 2013-08, Vol.15 (3), p.1272-1278
• Main Authors: Prez-Hernndez, R, Mondragn-Galicia, G, Allende Maravilla, A, Palacios, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
• ISSN: 1463-9076; 1463-9084
• DOI: 10.1039/c3cp52032c

CeO 2 nanorods were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and used as the support for preparing a series of Ni/CeO 2 nanorod catalysts. The surface area of the catalysts decreased when the Ni percent over the CeO 2 nanorods was increased. SEM results showed that the CeO 2 is formed by nanorods approximately 1 m in length. TEM and HREM revealed that the width of the nanorods is about 8 nm and it grew along the [1 1 1&cmb.macr;] axis. The catalytic activity of the catalysts was improved as the Ni was loaded onto CeO 2 nanorods. The exposed planes of the CeO 2 nanorod structure along the zone axis [0 1 1] for Ni impregnation were (1&cmb.macr; 1&cmb.macr; 1), (1 1 1&cmb.macr;), (1 1&cmb.macr; 1), (1&cmb.macr; 1 1&cmb.macr;), (2 0 0) and (2&cmb.macr; 0 0) and they were more reactive for methanol conversion than (2&cmb.macr; 2&cmb.macr; 0), (2&cmb.macr; 0 2&cmb.macr;), (0 2 2&cmb.macr;), (0 2&cmb.macr; 2), (2 0 2) and (2 2 0) planes from the [1 1 1&cmb.macr;] axis (growth direction of the nanorod). This finding is mainly ascribed to the synergistic effect of the CeO 2 nanorods and the Ni. H 2 yield by autothermal steam reforming of methanol reaction over Ni/CeO 2 nanorods catalysts.