Exploring metal-metal and metal-support interactions in Pt-based catalysts for aqueous phase reforming

Abstract

The extensive use of fossil fuels is widely recognized as one of the primary factors contributing to global warming. Therefore, finding alternative and sustainable energy sources/carriers is a relevant area of research to address the environmental crisis. One promising source is processing biomass-derived feedstocks for sustainable fuels and chemicals, which can be exploited to produce carbon-neutral fuels. Aqueous phase reforming is introduced as a process to valorize aqueous oxygenate mixtures to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide at mild temperatures and pressures close to the bubble point of the feed. However, due to the challenges associated with the catalyst stability and selectivity and the common utilization of noble metals, the use of aqueous phase reforming in an industrial context is limited. The research in this thesis aims to address these challenges by reducing the use of platinum and promoting the catalytic activity of Pt-based catalysts supported on carbon nanofibers. The addition of a second metal and the introduction of heteroatoms to the carbon surface are explored to maximize the interaction of the components in the system to obtain a stable and selective aqueous phase reforming catalyst.