Stability and activity of carbon nanofiber-supported catalysts in the aqueous phase reforming of ethylene glycol

• Published in: Journal of energy chemistry 2013-03, Vol.22 (2), p.257-269
• Main Authors: van Haasterecht, T., Ludding, C.C.I., de Jong, K.P., Bitter, J.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biobased Chemistry and Technology; Ni催化剂; VLAG; 乙二醇; 亚乙基; 催化活性; 水相重整; 碳纳米纤维; 稳定性; 铜催化剂
• ISSN: 2095-4956
• DOI: 10.1016/S2095-4956(13)60032-7

Nickel, cobalt, copper and platinum nanoparticles supported on carbon nano-fibers were evaluated with respect to their stability, catalytic activity and selectivity in the aqueous phase reforming of ethylene glycol （230 ℃, autogenous pressure, batch reactor）. The initial surface-specific activities for ethylene glycol reforming were in a similar range but decreased in the order of Pt （15.5 h-1 ） 〉Co（13.0 h 1 ） 〉Ni（5.2 h-1） while the Cu catalyst only showed low dehydrogenation activity. The hydrogen molar selectivity decreased in the order of Pt （53%）〉Co（21%）〉Ni （15%） as a result of the production of methane over the latter two catalysts. Over the Co catalyst acids were formed in the liquid phase while alcohols were formed over Ni and Pt. Due to the low pH of the reaction mixture, especially in the case of Co （as a result of the formed acids）, significant cobalt leaching occurs which resulted in a rapid deactivation of this catalyst. Investigations of the spent catalysts with various techniques showed that metal particle growth is responsible for the deactivation of the Pt and Ni catalysts. In addition, coking might also contribute to the deactivation of the Ni catalyst.