Catalytic performance and in situ DRIFTS studies of propane and simulated LPG steam reforming reactions on Rh nanoparticles dispersed on composite M x O y -Al 2 O 3 (M: Ti, Y, Zr, La, Ce, Nd, Gd) supports

Rhodium nanoparticles dispersed on a variety of composite supports, M x O y -Al 2 O 3 (M: Ti, Y, Zr, La, Ce, Nd, Gd), were investigated for the propane steam reforming (PSR) reaction aiming to the efficient production of hydrogen. Addition of M x O y resulted in a significant promotion of intrinsic activity which varies depending on M x O y nature with the La 2 O 3 -containing sample exhibiting optimum performance. Selectivity toward methane side-product follows the same trend with that of PSR activity implying that methane is a key reaction intermediate. In situ DRIFTS experiments demonstrated that PSR reaction proceeds via intermediate formation of CH x species which are either hydrogenated toward CH 4 or interacted with OH groups yielding formates that are further decomposed to H 2 and CO x. Rh/10%La 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 and Rh/10%Gd 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 catalysts were synthesized in the form of pellets and investigated using simulated liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as feed, and proved to be promising candidates for the LPG steam reforming reaction.