Operando evaluation of vacancies in Ni/CeO2 catalysts for CO2 reduction

• Grant number: 23/03912-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Gustavo Possato
• Grantee: Marcela de Andrade Lucas
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/05246-4 - In situ and operando studies of heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 conversion, AP.JP
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/13786-7 - Evaluation of vacancies in Ni/CeO2 catalysts in CO2 reduction: an operando study, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

This research project aims to deepen theoretical and practical studies on Ni/CeO2 catalysts that present activities for reducing CO2 to methane. It will be synthesized via co-precipitation to obtain crystals of different morphologies, sizes, and textures. These catalysts will be subjected to various techniques such as characterization techniques (XRD, N2 physisorption, SEM and TEM microscopy, TPR). Vacancies positively affect catalyst activity and need to be understood in operando conditions through Raman spectroscopy. The challenge of heterogeneous catalysis is the development of catalysts resistant to coke formation and sintering so that they remain active throughout the reforming reaction providing higher conversions and selectivity. Because of this, the Raman methods and X-ray diffraction (refinement by the Rietveld method) are the best options to determine how this is and in what position the catalysts in the CO2 reaction will be analyzed under operating conditions and analysis of the catalysts used.