Evaluation of Ni-Cu behavior supported on porous MgO for ethanol steam reforming by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

The development of materials which exhibit high surface area is of great interest in many areas of scientific research, for example in catalysis. The control of changing the physicochemical properties of catalysts allows the extension of the catalytic activity, avoiding deactivation processes, such as sintering of the active phase of the catalyst. The methodologies used to achieve this goal pass by structuring these materials through pores with dimensions defined systems. Chemical properties of MgO oxide are very favorable to its use as catalyst support in reforming reactions of organic compounds such as ethanol for the production of hydrogen with impregnated metals such as nickel as active phase. However, its low surface area is an aspect to be developed in order to improve the catalytic activity. In this context, we develop a systematic study of synthesis conditions for MgO with high surface area by porous formation for efficient hydrogen abstraction. Nevertheless, some knowledge lacks such as Ni-Cu interaction as an intermediate formation and the particle behavior during the reaction needs to be clarified to obtain high performance of the catalyst. The use of advanced time-resolved characterization techniques such as X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy in operando conditions will elucidate the behavior of the catalysts under activation and during reaction conditions. This project is associated to Dr. Luiz Gustavo Possato, Research Internship Abroad (BEPE-FAPESP), from São Paulo State University (Brazil) to Synchrotron Soleil (France), starting in November (prevision) and for 1 year of internship.