XPS and DFT Study on the Surface Properties of Carbon-Resistant and Sulfur-Tolerant Bimetallic Ni-Rh Reforming Catalysts for Hydrogen Production and Fuel Cell Applications
EMSL Project ID
37791
Abstract
Fuel cells, in which hydrogen can be effectively converted to electricity, are expected to play a critical role in the future of power generation. Consequently, a huge amount of hydrogen is needed to meet the demand for this emerging technology. At present, the most widely used approach for hydrogen production is hydrocarbon steam reforming over supported Ni catalysts. However, this catalytic process is limited by the inferior activity and stability of the Ni catalyst due to sulfur poisoning and carbon deposition. In order to improve the Ni catalyst performance, carbon-resistant and sulfur-tolerant bimetallic Ni-Rh catalysts have been developed. In this study we propose using XPS and DFT to explore the surface properties of the bimetallic Ni-Rh catalysts supported on different materials. XPS characterization will allow us to study the effects of Ni-Rh and Ni/Rh-support interactions on the bimetallic catalyst surface properties. DFT calculations will model the catalyst structure and the metal-carbon/sulfur interactions over the catalyst surfaces, which would fundamentally explain how Rh interacts with Ni surface, and affects the catalyst surface structures and bonding strengths. Combination of XPS characterization and DFT calculation can provide fundamental insights into the structure-activity-stability relationships for the bimetallic Ni-Rh catalyst. This information will be greatly helpful for guiding the development of a new generation of highly efficient and stable catalysts for steam reforming of hydrocarbon fuels.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2010-04-30
End Date
2011-05-01
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Related Publications
Xie C, Y Chen, MH Engelhard, and C Song. 2012. "Comparative Study on the Sulfur Tolerance and Carbon Resistance of Supported Noble Metal Catalysts in Steam Reforming of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuel." ACS Catalysis.