Kumar A., Ashok A., Bhosale R., AlMomani F., Tarlochan F.
Qatar University, QA
Keywords: combustion synthesis, Cu Ni catalysts, ethanol dehydrogenation
Ethanol dehydrogenation mechanism was investigated over catalysts containing Cu and Ni metals prepared by solution combustion synthesis. In situ DRIFTS studies were conducted on individual metals (Cu and Ni) as well as on CuNi alloy to understand the metal-metal interaction in bimetallic systems and their implications on reaction pathway. The catalyst synthesis parameters (such as fuel to oxidizer ratio, combustion temperature) were monitored and correlated with the synthesized materials properties. The amount of fuel content in the combustion solution was found to greatly affect the phase and microstructure of the synthesized catalysts. Along with the microstructure, surface phase distribution was also studied for various fuel to oxidizer ratio using XPS and changes on surface composition were monitored after catalyst activation (reduction) and after the ethanol dehydrogenation reaction. A change in reaction pathway was clearly observed over Cu and Ni catalysts. Cu mainly favors synthesis of acetaldehyde and acetate whereas Ni and CuNi both showed more tendency towards methane and carbon monoxide formation.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Materials for Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability: TechConnect Briefs 2016
Published: May 22, 2016
Pages: 4 - 7
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Catalysis
ISBN: 978-0-9975-1171-0