A strong bimetal-support interaction in ethanol steam reforming

Area of Science:

• Heterogeneous catalysis
• Renewable energy production
• Materials science

Background:

• Metal-support interaction (MSI) is vital for heterogeneous catalysts in hydrogen production.
• Conventional catalysts often use single metals and supports, limiting performance.
• Developing advanced catalysts with strong MSI is crucial for efficient reforming reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel RhNi/TiO2 catalyst system with tunable strong bimetal-support interaction (SBMSI).
• To investigate the catalytic performance of these catalysts in ethanol steam reforming (ESR) for hydrogen production.
• To elucidate the structure-activity relationship and the role of the multifunctional interface.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of RhNiTi-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) precursors.
• Structure topological transformation to derive RhNi/TiO2 catalysts.
• Characterization of catalyst structure, including the interface and oxygen vacancies.
• Evaluation of catalytic performance in ethanol steam reforming (ESR).

Main Results:

• The 0.5RhNi/TiO2 catalyst achieved a H2 yield of 61.7% and a production rate of 12.2 L h⁻¹ gcat⁻¹.
• Exceptional operational stability was demonstrated over 300 hours.
• The catalyst exhibited superior performance compared to state-of-the-art catalysts.
• A synergistic catalytic effect was observed at the Rh-Niδ--Ov-Ti3+ interface, promoting formate intermediate generation.

Conclusions:

• The developed RhNi/TiO2 catalysts with SBMSI show remarkable efficiency for hydrogen production via ESR.
• The multifunctional interface, including oxygen vacancies, is key to the enhanced catalytic activity.
• This work offers a promising pathway for designing advanced catalysts for renewable hydrogen generation.