Monometallic Gold, Palladium and Bimetallic Gold-Palladium Catalysts for the Methanol Steam Reforming Reaction

Abstract:

In this study we investigate the active nature of nano-scaled gold, palladium and gold-palladium catalysts for the steam reforming of methanol (SRM).  Mono- and bimetallic catalysts were prepared by the DP-urea method both in the presence of metal oxide supports (ZnO, CeO₂) and in the absence of a support.  Preparations in the absence of a support were carried out in the presence of PVA to avoid aggregation of mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles.  Mono- and bimetallic colloids prepared in the presence of PVA were later immobilized on inert metal oxide supports (SiO₂, Al₂O₃).  While the gold catalysts prepared in the study already exemplify remarkable SRM activity and selectivity to CO₂, low concentrations of palladium (Au:Pd = 10:1) were determined to have a promotional effect on the catalytic performance.