Modification of the carbide microstructure by N- and S-functionalization of the support in MoxC/CNT catalysts

A series of catalysts based on molybdenum carbide nanoparticles supported on carbon were prepared by carburization of an oxidic Mo precursor impregnated on differently treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and reference carbons, respectively. The effects of surface defects and decoration of the support with heteroatoms (O, N, and S), as analyzed by IR and Raman spectroscopy as well as by TPD, were investigated. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, and electron microscopy. The catalytic performance in steam reforming of methanol was used as a probe to indicate changes in the catalyst surface during catalytic action. The surface chemistry of the carbon supports influences the process of carburization and the nature of resulting supported MoxC (nano) particles. This includes crystal phase composition (α- and β-MoxC) and crystallite as well as particle diameter. However, if the surface decoration of the support is limited to oxygen groups, these differences are not reflected in the catalytic action, which is almost identical for oxygen functionalized carriers. A significant modification of the catalytic performance can only be achieved by surface modification of a CNT support with S- or N-containing functionalities, which causes changes in the lattice constant of the resulting carbide compared to reference systems. These changes are sensitively reflected in activity and CO2/CH4 product ratio in steam reforming of methanol.