High performance Rh/La2O3-SiO2 catalyst for water gas shift reaction: stability, kinetics and physicochemical characterization

C. CORNAGLIA, A. KARELOVIC, J. MÚNERA, E.A. LOMBARDO, P. RUIZ

Glasgow

Congreso; EUROPACAT X; 2011

A highly stable, active and non-carbon forming Rh/La2O3-SiO2 catalyst has been synthesized to be used in a membrane reactor for producing high purity H2 through the WGSR. To be useful in such a process the catalyst should operate at ca. 400ºC to limit both thermal deterioration of the membrane and the impairing effect of CO upon the H2 permeability. In this work we present stability catalytic tests, kinetic measurements, physico-chemical characterization of the catalysts and particularly “operando” DRIFTS results which allow clarifying reaction mechanisms, the state of the catalysts during the reaction and a probable reason for the deactivation of catalysts.