Hydrogen appears to be the best answer for the limited fossil fuel resources. The water-gas shift (WGS) reaction is a key step in the production of clean hydrogen. Noble metal (Au, Pd, Pt) clusters supported on reducible oxides have emerged as a potentially new generation of WGS catalysts. 1 The substitution of the noble metals by less expensive alternatives without compromising performance represents a big challenge. Ni/CeO2 systems were shown to be promising catalysts,2-4 but their activity strongly depends on the metal coverage. At medium and large coverages, they catalyze methane production, whereas at small coverage they are efficient for the WGS reaction. A fundamental understanding of this effect is paramount for a rational design of Ni-based catalysts.Here, we discuss the interaction of Ni clusters of varying size with the CeO2(111) surface and the chemisorption properties for C and CO. In doing this we are able to explain the coverage dependence of the chemical reactivity.5 Furthermore, we show that Ni/CeO2(111) is able to dissociate water-a crucial step in the WGS process.

Ni/CeO<sub>2</sub>: A promising catalyst for water-gas shift

246th National Meeting (2013)

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Ni/CeO2: A promising catalyst for water-gas shift

Ni/CeO₂: A promising catalyst for water-gas shift