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.