The application of inelastic neutron scattering to investigate the steam reforming of methane over an alumina-supported nickel catalyst

McFarlane, Andrew R.; Silverwood, Ian P.; Norris, Elizabeth L.; Ormerod, R. Mark; Frost, Christopher D.; Parker, Stewart F.; Lennon, David

Abstract

An alumina-supported nickel catalyst, previously used in methane reforming experiments employing CO2 as the oxidant, is applied here in the steam reforming variant of the process. Micro-reactor experiments are used to discern an operational window compatible with sample cells designed for inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiments. INS spectra are recorded after 6 h reaction of a 1:1 mixture of CH4 and H2O at 898 K. Weak INS spectra are observed, indicating minimal hydrogen retention by the catalyst in this operational regime. Post-reaction, the catalyst is further characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Raman scattering. In a comparable fashion to that seen for the ‘dry’ reforming experiments, the catalyst retains substantial quantities of carbon in the form of filamentous coke. The role for hydrogen incorporation by the catalyst is briefly considered.

Citation

McFarlane, A. R., Silverwood, I. P., Norris, E. L., Ormerod, R. M., Frost, C. D., Parker, S. F., & Lennon, D. (2013). The application of inelastic neutron scattering to investigate the steam reforming of methane over an alumina-supported nickel catalyst. Chemical Physics, 427, 54-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemphys.2013.10.012

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Nov 7, 2013
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Deposit Date: Jun 16, 2023
• Journal: Chemical Physics
• Print ISSN: 0301-0104
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 427
• Pages: 54-60
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemphys.2013.10.012
• Keywords: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry; General Physics and Astronomy
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: The application of inelastic neutron scattering to investigate the steam reforming of methane over an alumina-supported nickel catalyst; Journal Title: Chemical Physics; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemphys.2013.10.012; Content Type: article; Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.