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Title: In-situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Supported Ru Catalysts in the Aqueous Phase

Journal Article · · Chemistry of Materials
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/cm0702868· OSTI ID:929894

The size of supported Ru metal particles on various supports was monitored by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy under aqueous phase conditions typical of biomass conversion reactions. In particular, Ru/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Ru/C, Ru/TiO{sub 2}, and Ru/SiO{sub 2} were evaluated at the Ru K edge at 473 K in neutral water and 0.4 M NaOH. The as-prepared samples exposed to air contained oxidized Ru that was subsequently reduced by H{sub 2}-saturated water solution. Significant growth of the metal particles was observed on the Ru/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Ru/SiO{sub 2} samples during the aqueous treatments, whereas the Ru/TiO{sub 2} and Ru/C samples were quite stable under the conditions used here. Results from post-treatment X-ray diffraction and surface area analysis revealed major structural changes of the alumina and silica supports. The structural stability of the carbon and titania account for the lack of metal particle growth on those supports. Because a reference Pt/C catalyst revealed metal particle growth under the same conditions, the results for the Ru/C cannot be generalized to other carbon-supported catalysts and underscores the importance of in situ characterization for heterogeneous catalysts in the aqueous phase.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). National Synchrotron Light Source
Sponsoring Organization:
Doe - Office Of Science
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
929894
Report Number(s):
BNL-80476-2008-JA; CMATEX; TRN: US200822%%1073
Journal Information:
Chemistry of Materials, Vol. 19, Issue 14; ISSN 0897-4756
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English