Towards CRM-free supported catalysts for the preferential oxidation of CO in H2-rich streams.

In today's world where climate change is a hot topic, burning finite fossil fuels, which contributes to global warming through the production of CO2, still accounts for 85% of the primary energy production. Therefore, the scientific community focusses on the quest of finding cleaner alternative energy sources. A promising alternative is H2. At present, over 95% of all H2 is produced by steam reforming of methane, which has the disadvantage of producing CO as by-product. This causes detrimental effects on several catalysts (f.e. catalysts used in fuel cells or in the ammonia synthesis). Therefore, purification of H2-rich gas streams is required and the most effective approach can be found in the preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX). Up to date, many catalysts have been utilized for CO-PROX (mainly noble metal based), however only a few have shown potential for future application. In this project the aim is to provide the next step towards critical raw material-free supported catalysts for CO-PROX. This goal will be pursued by synthesizing innovative mono-/bimetallic Cu-based supported catalysts with ultimate porosity and stability, and excellent catalytically active surface sites dispersion. To contribute to the ultimate goal of sustainability, aqueous based methods will be utilized for the synthesis of the catalysts. Furthermore, innovation is brought to the catalysts by 3D-shaping (collaboration with VITO) and advanced catalytic testing (collaboration with UNIPD, Italy).

Keywords:CATALYSIS, POROUS INORGANIC MATERIALS

Disciplines:Transition metal chemistry, Heterogeneous catalysis, Materials synthesis, Nanomaterials