Chengxi Zhang

Sorption enhanced steam reforming of ethanol on Ni–CaO–Al2O3 multifunctional catalysts derived from hydrotalcite-like compounds

This paper describes the sorption of carbon dioxide for enhanced steam reforming of ethanol to produce hydrogen via Ni–CaO–Al2O3 multifunctional catalysts derived from hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTlcs). The catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tested in sorption enhanced steam reforming of ethanol (SESRE), in which products were monitored by an online mass spectrometer (MS). The Ni–CaO–Al2O3 catalysts possess uniform distribution of Ni, Ca and Al, contributing significantly to the excellent CO2 adsorbent capacity and reforming activity in SESRE. We have also examined the effect of Ca/Al ratios on Ni dispersion, CaO particle size, and catalytic reactivity; a Ca/Al of 3.0 was optimized. The Ni–CaO–Al2O3 catalysts outperform the conventional mixture of CaO adsorbents and Ni/Al2O3 catalysts for SESRE.

Sintering-resistant Ni-based reforming catalysts obtained via the nanoconfinement effect

This communication describes the design and synthesis of anti-sintering and -coke nickel phyllosilicate (PS) nanotubes (Ni/PSn) for hydrogen production via reforming reactions. The introduction of nickel particles in PS nanotubes could effectively maintain the Ni size and increase the resistance of metal particles for carbon deposition.

N-doped Ag/TiO2 hollow spheres for highly efficient photocatalysis under visible-light irradiation

This paper describes the synthesis of TiO2 hollow spheres (HSs) modified via nitrogen doping and silver loading (Ag–N–TiO2) with particle diameters of ~100 nm. The specific surface area of the Ag–N–TiO2 was up to 147 m2 g−1 and this structure is stable upon high temperature treatment. Ag–N–TiO2 exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of dye compounds under visible light irradiation (≥410 nm) due to their larger surface area and controlled morphology compared with previously reported N-doped TiO2 fine particles (e.g. N–P25).

Superior reactivity of skeletal Ni-based catalysts for low-temperature steam reforming to produce CO-free hydrogen

This paper describes the utilization of skeletal Ni-based catalysts for steam reforming of ethanol to produce CO-free hydrogen, which could be superior in the application of fuel cells. Assistant metals play different roles in the reaction; Pt and Cu suppress the methanation and enhance H(2) production, while Co promotes the methanation.

Pt-based core–shell nanocatalysts with enhanced activity and stability for CO oxidation

This communication describes the synthesis of Pt@CeO2 core-shell catalysts for the application of highly efficient CO oxidation, where the 50% CO conversion temperature is lower than 200 °C. Pt@CeO2 is thermally stable as no deactivation occurs during the 70 h reaction, and the morphology is unchanged even after 700 °C thermal treatment.