One route to renewable hydrogen has been identified as the aqueous phase reforming of polyols.  Recent research has centered on using supported bimetallic catalysts, which have promoted rates over monometallic platinum.  In this work the activity, selectivity, and stability of platinum-cobalt on carbon nanotubes towards glycerol reforming is investigated in light of its structure as determined by operando x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).  The high selectivity to hydrogen over methane and unreactive intermediates is possibly because the cobalt is mostly metallic, whereas metal oxides can contribute to acid functionality of the catalyst, leading to dehydrations (C-O cleavage).  The EXAFS has indicated that mixing occurs between the metals in PtCo, and a larger portion of platinum remains at the surface of nanoparticle when compared to PtMo.  TEM images also indicate that the metal particles do not extensively sinter on the carbon nanotube support under reforming conditions.

Bimetallic PtCo catalyst for selective aqueous phase refomring of glycerol

244th National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.