Hydrotalcite-type precursors of active catalysts for hydrogen production

The effects that the composition of hydrotalcite (HT)-type precursors and their method of preparation have on the chemical-physical properties and catalytic performances of systems which are active in the partial oxidation and steam reforming of methane to produce H-2 were investigated. The key role of the structure of the HT compounds in the development of active catalysts is reported for Ni- and noble metal-based catalysts, which were prepared by controlled thermal decomposition of carbonate- or silicate-containing precursors. We highlight specific features which appear to be a function of the divalent to trivalent atomic ratio and/or nature of the anion present. Furthermore, we also report the advantages of coating ceramic and metallic supports with HT phases using coprecipitation and a novel type of electrochemical synthesis, respectively. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.