Novel Cu and Pd-Cu Catalysts Supported on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Steam Reforming and Decomposition of Methanol

Abstract

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) using acetylene as a carbon source over an iron catalyst. As-prepared MWCNTs were used to support modern mono-copper, palladium, and bimetallic palladium-copper catalysts, and their feasibility for hydrogen production was tested during steam reforming of methanol (SRM) and methanol decomposition (DM). The structural characteristics of the MWCNTs were evaluated using the SEM and XRD methods. The physicochemical properties of the monometallic and bimetallic catalysts were analysed using the TPR and XRD methods. The promotion effect of palladium on methanol conversion rate and H2 productivity in the case of the copper catalysts was demonstrated. The enhanced activity of the Cu/MWCNTs after palladium promotion was due to the formation of Pd-Cu alloy compound.

Microreactor designed for efficient plasma–liquid segmented flows

“…In the search for new activation pathways to achieve greener chemical processes, plasma, more specifically dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), has recently received attention because of its ability to generate reactive species, such as electrons, radicals and metastables, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Plasma chemistry has already found numerous applications in gas phase synthesis [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] and in surface treatment, [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] but the generalisation of such processes to low vapour pressure chemicals requires a thorough investigation of plasmas generated at contact with liquids.…”