Application of rhodium nanoparticles for steam reforming of propane in microchannels

Rhodium nanoparticles were synthesized by means of the chemical reduction method and applied as precursor for the preparation of Rh/Al2O3 catalysts with different Rh content (1, 2.5 and 5 wt.%). High surface area alumina powder was impregnated with the nanoparticle solution. After drying and calcination, the catalyst powder was deposited in microchannels by means of a washcoating process and after repeated drying and calcination tested for steam reforming of propane. All catalysts showed full conversion at the reaction conditions applied (T = 750 °C, S/C = 4, WHSV = 120 Nl/(h*gcat)) including during mid-term tests of 140 h uninterrupted testing.