Metal-Foam-Supported Pd/Al2O3 Catalysts for Catalytic Combustion of Methane: Effect of Interaction between Support and Catalyst

Abstract Structured Pd/Al 2 O 3 catalysts were fabricated by impregnating Pd onto Ni and Cu foams coated with Al 2 O 3 layers. By testing the adhesion stability and catalytic activity in the combustion of methane, the superior performance of Ni-foam-supported Pd/Al 2 O 3 catalyst was demonstrated, to its counterpart powder catalysts. The resultant structured catalysts enable the fabrication of lamellar microreactor systems. It is found that the metal foams influence the activity of catalyst layer, due to the diffusive penetration of metallic atoms into catalysts from metal foams. The Ni foam is beneficial for enhancing the activity of Pd/Al 2 O 3 catalyst, while the Cu foam plays a negative role. The investigation to the model powder catalysts doped with Ni and Cu verified the modification of Ni and Cu to the physicochemical properties of Pd/Al 2 O 3 catalyst, thereby the catalytic performances. Thus, it can be expected that the performance of structured catalysts may be improved by rationally designing and selecting proper supports.