High Energy XRD and GISAXS Operando Studies of the Dehydrogenation Catalytic Reaction in LOHC Technology

We will use HWXRD to study further the structure of Pt/Al2O3 catalysts during the dehydrogenation reaction of the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) benzyltoluene. The goal is to provide atomic-scale insights on the degradation processes of the catalyst during the reaction. Full knowledge about these processes and their influence is a prerequisite for the development of better catalysts in terms of selectivity and activity, making the LOHC technology more competitive. We will test both sulphidated and non-sulphidated catalysts to understand why sulphur poisoning improves catalytic activity and reduces the catalyst deactivation; and we will also probe different reactor positions to understand the influence of the different chemical potentials. This proposal is part of an InnovaXN PhD project in collaboration with the Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics (IEAP) of Kiel University, Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies GmbH, and the ESRF.

我们将采用HWXRD技术，针对液态有机储氢介质（liquid organic hydrogen carrier，LOHC）苄基甲苯（benzyltoluene）的脱氢反应过程，对Pt/Al₂O₃催化剂的结构开展进一步研究。本研究的核心目标是从原子尺度揭示反应过程中催化剂的劣化机制。充分掌握此类劣化过程及其影响规律，是开发兼具更高选择性与催化活性的优质催化剂的先决条件，进而可提升液态有机储氢介质技术的市场竞争力。我们将分别测试硫化处理与未硫化处理的两类催化剂，以阐明硫中毒为何能够提升催化活性并延缓催化剂失活；同时还将探究不同反应器位置的工况，以揭示不同化学势的作用效果。本研究是与基尔大学实验与应用物理研究所（Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics，IEAP）、Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies GmbH以及欧洲同步辐射光源（European Synchrotron Radiation Facility，ESRF）合作开展的InnovaXN博士项目的组成部分。