Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction over Supported Cu-Ni Nanoparticle Catalysts

Abstract

CuNi nanoparticles were synthesized using a new polyol synthesis method. Three different CuxNi1-x catalysts were synthesized where x = 20, 50 and 80. The nanoparticles were deposited on carbon, C, gamma-alumina, γ-Al2O3, yttria-stabilized zirconia, YSZ, and samariumdoped ceria, SDC. Each set of catalysts was tested using the Reverse Water Gas Shift, RWGS, reaction under atmospheric pressure and at temperatures ranging from 400°C-700°C. The experiments were repeated 3 times to ensure stability and reproducibility. Platinum nanoparticles were also deposited on the same supports and tested for the RWGS reaction at the same conditions. The CuNi nanoparticles were characterized using a variety of different techniques. Xray diffraction, XRD, measurements demonstrate the resence of two CuNi solid solutions: one Cu rich solid solution, and the other a Ni rich solid solution. X-ray photo electron spectroscopy, XPS, measurements show Cu enrichment on all catalytic surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy, SEM, measurements show CuNi nanoparticles ranging in size from 4 nm to 100 nm. Some agglomeration was observed. SDC showed the best yield with all catalysts. Furthermore, high oxygen vacancy content was shown to increase yield of CO for the RWGS reaction. Cu50Ni50/SDC shows the combination of highest yield of CO and the best stability among CuNi catalysts. It also has similar yields (39.8%) as Pt/SDC at 700°C, which achieved the equilibrium yield at that temperature (43.9%). The catalyst was stable for 48 hours when exposed to high temperatures (600-700°C). There was no CH4 observed during any of the experiments when the partial pressure of the reactant gases was fed stoichiometrically. Partial pressure variation experiments demonstrated the presence of CH4 when the partial pressure of hydrogen was increased to twice the value of the partial pressure of CO2.