Ceria-based Catalysts for the Production of H2 Through the Water-gas-shift Reaction: Time-Resolved XRD and XAFS Studies
Hydrogen is a potential alternate energy source for satisfying many of our energy needs. In this work, we studied H2 production from the water-gas-shift (WGS) reaction over Ce1-x Cu x O2 catalysts, prepared with a novel microemulsion method, using two synchrotron-based techniques: time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). The results are compared with those reported for conventional CuO x /CeO2 and AuO x /CeO2 catalysts obtained through impregnation of ceria. For the fresh Ce1-x Cu x O2 catalysts, the results of XAFS measurements at the Cu K-edge indicate that Cu is in an oxidation state higher than in CuO. Nevertheless, under WGS reaction conditions the Ce1-x Cu x O2 catalysts undergo reduction and the active phase contains very small particles of metallic Cu and CeO2-x . Time-resolved XRD and XAFS results also indicate that Cud+ and Aud+ species present in fresh CuO x /CeO2 and AuO x /CeO2 catalysts do not survive above 200 C under the WGS conditions. In all these systems, the ceria lattice displayed a significant increase after exposure to CO and a decrease in H2O, indicating that CO reduced ceria while H2O oxidized it. Our data suggest that H2O dissociation occurred on the Ovacancy sites or the Cu-Ovacancy and Au-Ovacancy interfaces. The rate of H2 generation by a Ce0.95Cu0.05O2 catalyst was comparable to that of a 5 wt% CuO x /CeO2 catalyst and much bigger than those of pure ceria or CuO.
- 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:
- 960047
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-83033-2009-JA; TRN: US201016%%1191
- Journal Information:
- Topics in Catalysis, Vol. 49
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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