Pt/UiO-66 Nanocomposites as Catalysts for CO2 Methanation Process

Pt/UiO-66 nanocomposites with platinum target concentration of 3 wt.% were prepared by 3 preparation methods, characterized and tested in the CO2 methanation process. Choice of the microporous UiO-66 metal-organic framework (Zr6O4(OH)(4) with 1,4-benzene-dicarboxylate ligand) as catalytic support was motivated by the CO2 chemisorption capacity (proven by CO2-TPD profiles), large specific surface area (1477 m(2)/g) which favors a high dispersion of metal nanoparticles and good thermal stability. The preparation methods for the Pt/UiO-66 nanocomposites are: (1) wet-impregnation followed by reduction in H-2 at 200 degrees C for 2 h; (2) wet-impregnation followed by reduction with an aqueous solution of NaBH4; and (3) "double-solvent" method, followed by reduction with NaBH4. The UiO-66 based nanocomposites were characterized by N-2 adsorption-desorption (BET method), XRD, and SEM/TEM. The Pt/UiO-66 catalyst prepared by method 3 was chosen for catalytic testing due to its highest surface area, smallest platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) size, the localization of PtNPs both on the grain's internal and external surface and best thermal stability in the desired temperature range. Its capacity to adsorb and activate CO2 and H-2 was evaluated in thermo-programmed desorption experiments (H-2-TPD and CO2-TPD). Hydrogen is molecularly adsorbed, while CO2 is adsorbed both molecularly and dissociatively. The catalytic performance in the CO2 methanation process was evaluated by Temperature Programmed Reactions (TPRea, 2 degrees C/min, 30-350 degrees C), at atmospheric pressure. The best results were obtained at 350 degrees C, CO2:H-2 molar ratio of 1:5.2 and GHSV = 1650 h(-1). In these conditions CO2 conversion is almost 50% and CH4 selectivity is 36%, the rest of the converted CO2 being transformed in CO.