A multifunctional core–shell nanoreactor with unique features of sintering resistance for high-performance ethanol steam reforming reaction

Abstract Ethanol steam reforming (ESR) has drawn great attention for sustainable H2 production. Design active and sinter resistant nanocatalysts are critical issues for ESR reaction. Herein, a core–shell structured Pt-Cu@Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite for ESR reaction has been synthesized via a one-pot facile encapsulation strategy, which is featured by highly active and sintering resistance for ESR reaction. Structural and morphological characterizations revealed that each Pt-Cu@Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite contained a 3 nm Pt-Cu core and multiple Ni nanoparticles with diameters of around 3 nm anchored on the SiO2 shell. The Pt-Cu@Ni-SiO2 nanoreactor exhibited higher ethanol conversion (99.99%) and H2 selectivity (70.32%) and an excellent stability with no loss of activity after 50 h of reaction at 450 °C. The advantages were originated from the ultra-small size of metal nanoparticles and the unique core–shell structure provides a great opportunity to give full play to the catalytic activity of active sites thus guaranteed excellent catalytic activity. Compared with the supported Pt-Cu@Ni-SiO2 catalyst, the Pt-Cu@Ni-SiO2 nanoreactor exhibit good stability and sintering resistance due to the encapsulation of the metal nanoparticles and the enhanced metal-support interaction. Thus, it is supposed that this type of catalyst opens a new strategy for the design of the ESR catalyst.