ePubs

The open archive for STFC research publications

Full Record Details

Persistent URL http://purl.org/net/epubs/work/36567595
Record Status Checked
Record Id 36567595
Title The application of inelastic neutron scattering to investigate methane reforming catalysts
Contributors
Abstract Hydrocarbonaceous overlayers formed on a range of nickel alumina and gold-doped nickel alumina catalysts during both the H2O and CO2 reforming of methane has been examined using a number of techniques including thermal studies, XRD, TEM IR and Raman spectroscopy. These techniques have allowed both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the carbon and hydrogen components of coke to be achieved. Both amorphous carbon and filamentous carbon has been observed. Results show that changing the catalyst preparation routine effects the morphology of the carbon in both the CO2 and H2O reforming reactions. The “dry” and steam reforming reactions were also studied by inelastic neutron scattering. This technique has permitted quantitative measurements of the extent of hydrogen retention for the first time and has allowed elementary steps associated with the reaction to be explored from a new perspective. As well as determining the nature and quantity of the hydrocarbonaceous overlayers, the source of the coke has also been considered in the CO2 reforming reaction. Isotopic substitution reactions have been employed to achieve this. Temperature programmed oxidation measurements using a 13CO2 feedstream identify a clear role for the oxidant in the carbon retention process. The combination of techniques outlined above has permitted a series of elementary reactions to be proposed for both reforming reactions. Elementary surface reactions involving hydrogen are shown to be fast and efficient compared to those involving carbon. Furthermore, oxidation of carbon to CO is slower than that of carbon polymerisation. These statements are true for both CO2 and H2O reforming and suggest the CO2 reforming reaction has the potential to represent a environmentally friendly alternative to the industrially preferred steam reforming process. As well as increasing the understanding of these two highly relevant reaction systems, a range of inelastic neutron scattering reactors have been designed, built and tested under reforming conditions in order to accomplish the quantitative hydrogen measurements. An evaluation of these reactors, as well as a description of the development of the INS technique as a quantitative tool is given.
Organisation ISIS , ISIS-MAPS , ISIS-TOSCA , ISIS-MERLIN , STFC
Keywords
Funding Information
Related Research Object(s):
Licence Information:
Language English (EN)
Type Details URI(s) Local file(s) Year
Thesis PhD, University of Glasgow, 2012. http://theses.gla…2013mcfarlanephd.pdf 2012