Synthesis of CuNi/C and CuNi/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts for the Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction

A new polyol synthesis method is described in which CuNi nanoparticles of different Cu/Ni atomic ratios were supported on both carbon and gamma-alumina and compared with Pt catalysts using the reverse water gas shift, RWGS, reaction. All catalysts were highly selective for CO formation. The concentration of CH4 was less than the detection limit. Cu was the most abundant metal on the CuNi alloy surfaces, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS, measurements. Only one CuNi alloy catalyst, Cu50Ni50/C, appeared to be as thermally stable as the Pt/C catalysts. After three temperature cycles, from 400 to 700 degrees C, the CO yield at 700 degrees C obtained using the Cu50Ni50/C catalyst was comparable to that obtained using a Pt/C catalyst.