Pyrochlore-type catalysts for the reforming of hydrocarbon fuels

US8133463B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Department of Energy · US

Inventors

• David A. Berry · Brookline, US
• Dushyant Shekhawat · Morgantown, US
• Daniel J. Haynes · Morgantown, US
• Mark W. Smith · Morgantown, US
• James J. Spivey · Baton Rouge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2009
• Grant date: Mar 13, 2012
• Expiry date: Mar 17, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/52
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of catalytically reforming a reactant gas mixture using a pyrochlore catalyst material comprised of one or more pyrochlores having the composition A2-w-xA′wA″xB2-y-zB′yB″zO7-Δ. Distribution of catalytically active metals throughout the structure at the B site creates an active and well dispersed metal locked into place in the crystal structure. This greatly reduces the metal sintering that typically occurs on supported catalysts used in reforming reactions, and reduces deactivation by sulfur and carbon. Further, oxygen mobility may also be enhanced by elemental exchange of promoters at sites in the pyrochlore. The pyrochlore catalyst material may be utilized in catalytic reforming reactions for the conversion of hydrocarbon fuels into synthesis gas (H2+CO) for fuel cells, among other uses.