Pt-Fe nanoalloy: Structure evolution study and catalytic properties in water gas shift reaction

In the present work we studied the properties of Pt0.5Cu0.5, Pt0.5Fe0.5, Pt0.33Ag0.67, Pt0.6Au0.4 nanoalloys in water gas shift (WGS) reaction for the first time. Cu, Fe, Ag, Au were chosen as modifiers due to the low catalytic activity in undesirable side reactions of carbon oxides methanation. Nanoalloys were synthesized via corresponding double complex salts decomposition, which provided the selective formation of bimetallic nanoparticles. A simulated reformate gas mixture, containing (vol.%) 10 CO, 15 CO2, 30 H2O and 45 H-2, was used to evaluate the activity of these systems. Only Pt0.5Fe0.5 nanopowder was active, while Pt-FeOx metal-oxide composite was inert. The positive effect of Pt-Fe alloying on WGS performance was also confirmed for silica supported catalysts. TG and XRD in situ analysis reveal that Pt0.5Fe0.5 is stable toward oxidation under WGS reaction conditions (T < 350 degrees C, reductive atmosphere), while Pt-FeOx undergoes partial reduction but without formation of Pt-Fe alloy nanoparticles.

Automated summary

In this study, the properties of Pt0.5Cu0.5, Pt0.5Fe0.5, Pt0.33Ag0.67, and Pt0.6Au0.4 nanoalloys in water gas shift (WGS) reaction were investigated for the first time. It was found that only Pt0.5Fe0.5 nanopowder showed activity, while Pt-FeOx metal-oxide composite was inert. The positive effect of Pt-Fe alloying on WGS performance was also confirmed for silica supported catalysts.