Catalytic steam reforming of methane using Rh supported on Sr-substituted hexaaluminate

This paper reports the synthesis, characterization, and performance of steam-reforming catalysts based upon dispersed Rh particles on Sr-substituted hexaaluminate supports. As confirmed by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, the Sr-substituted hexaaluminate provides a plate-like support structure that resists sintering and occlusion of the Rh. The hexaaluminate is synthesized using an alumoxane process, with the cation substitution accomplished by exchange with metal acetylacetonates. The Rh is dispersed using impregnation with metal-nitrate salts. A stagnation-flow reactor is used to measure catalytic activity. In these experiments, the catalyst is applied to a flat surface that is held at a fixed temperature. Reactive gases (methane, steam, and diluent) impinge on the catalytic stagnation surface. Microprobe mass spectrometry is used to measure gas-phase species profiles in the boundary layer normal to the catalyst surface. The experiments are interpreted using a chemically reacting flow model. including an elementary heterogeneous chemical reaction mechanism. Results confirm that the Rh on Sr-substituted hexaaluminate is a highly stable and active reforming catalyst. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.