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Ni-doped (CeO2−δ )–YSZ mesoarchitectured with nanocrystalline framework: the effect of thermal treatment on structure, surface chemistry and catalytic properties in the partial oxidation of methane (CPOM)

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Abstract

Ni-doped (CeO2−δ )–YSZ (5 mol% Ni oxide, 10 mol% ceria) mesoarchitectures (MA) with nanocrystalline framework have been synthesized by an original, facile and cheap approach based on Triton X100 nonionic surfactant as template and water as solvent at a strong basic pH value. Following the hydrothermal treatment under autogenous pressure (~18 bars), Ni, Ce, Y, and Zr were well ordered as MA with nanocrystalline framework, assuring thermal stability. A comprehensive investigation of structure, texture, morphology, and surface chemistry was performed by means of a variety of complementary techniques (X-Ray Diffraction, XRD; Raman Spectroscopy, RS; Brunauer—Emmett—Teller, BET; Temperature—Programmed Reduction, TPR; Transmission Electron Microscopy, TEM and DF-STEM; X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, XPS; Catalytic activity and selectivity). N2 sorption measurements highlighted that the mesoporous structure is formed at 600 °C and remains stable at 800 °C. At 900 °C, the MA collapses, favoring the formation of macropores. The XRD and Raman Spectroscopy of all samples showed the presence of a pure, single phase with fluorite-type structure. At 900 °C, an increased tetragonal distortion of the cubic lattice was observed. The surface chemistry probed by XPS exhibits a mixture of oxidation states (Ce3+ + Ce4+) with high percentage of Ce3+ valence state ~35 % and (Ni3+ and Ni2+) oxidation states induced by the thermal treatment. These nanoparticles assembled into MA show high stability and selectivity over time in catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPOM). These promising performances suggest an interesting prospect for introduction as anode within IT-SOFC assemblies.

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Acknowledgments

The authors S. Somacescu, M. Florea, P. Osiceanu, and J.M. Calderon-Moreno are highly grateful for the support given by the Partnership Programme, contract No. 26/2012.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, P.O. Box 194, 060021, Bucharest, Romania

    Simona Somacescu, Petre Osiceanu & Jose Maria Calderon-Moreno

  2. Department of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Catalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4 – 12 Regina Elisabeta Bvd., 030016, Bucharest, Romania

    Mihaela Florea

  3. National Institute of Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG-7, 077125, Bucharest-Măgurele, Romania

    Corneliu Ghica

  4. Instituto de Tecnología Química, (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Avenida de los Naranjos s/n., 46022, Valencia, Spain

    Jose Manuel Serra

Authors
  1. Simona Somacescu
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  2. Mihaela Florea
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  3. Petre Osiceanu
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  4. Jose Maria Calderon-Moreno
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  5. Corneliu Ghica
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Correspondence to Simona Somacescu.

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Somacescu, S., Florea, M., Osiceanu, P. et al. Ni-doped (CeO2−δ )–YSZ mesoarchitectured with nanocrystalline framework: the effect of thermal treatment on structure, surface chemistry and catalytic properties in the partial oxidation of methane (CPOM). J Nanopart Res 17, 426 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-015-3206-z

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