Aqueous phase reforming of polyols for hydrogen production using supported Pt-Fe bimetallic catalysts

摘要

3-D cubic ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK-9) supported Pt-Fe bimetallic catalysts with a range of Pt-Fe compositions were applied to the aqueous phase reforming (APR) of polyols for hydrogen production. The catalytic performance with respect to the polyol and support used was also studied. The catalysts and supports were characterized via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N-2 sorption, temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and CO chemisorption techniques. The polyols investigated include ethylene glycol (EG), glycerol, xylitol, and sorbitol. It was found that the addition of Fe to the Pt/CMK-9 catalyst significantly improved catalytic performance, with the optimum Pt:Fe ratio for APR activity being 1:3. It was also observed that, in the Pt Fe (1:3) system, the CMK-9 support demonstrated better catalytic performance than commercially available activated carbon or alumina. In addition, the catalytic activity of the Pt Fe/CMK-9 catalyst was successfully increased by both the effect of the water-gas shift reaction, promoted by Fe addition to Pt, and by the structural properties and nature of the CMK-9 support. Moreover, the Pt Fe (1:3)/CMK-9 catalyst showed efficient catalytic activity for different biomass derivatives (EG, glycerol, xylitol, and sorbitol), with the activity decreasing with increase in the number of carbon atoms. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.