Strong metal‒support interaction modulates catalytic activity of Ru nanoparticles on Gd2O3 for efficient ammonia decomposition
Xiaohua Ju, Lin Liu, Xiaoyan Xu, Jiemin Wang, Teng He, Ping Chen
Abstract
Exploration of efficient Ru-based catalysts is significant for advancing the production of hydrogen from ammonia decomposition, which depends predominantly on the rational regulation of the metal-support interaction of Ru-based catalysts. Herein, highly dispersed Ru nanoparticles (NPs) on Gd 2 O 3 (Ru/Gd 2 O 3 ) are developed and applied for the NH 3 decomposition reaction. By varying the reduction temperature, the activity of the Ru/Gd 2 O 3 catalyst can be remarkably improved. Characterization results reveal that the enhanced activity is associated with the strong metal‒support interaction (SMSI) induced formation of Gd 2 O 3 overlayer on the Ru NPs. With a relatively low reduction temperature, the exposed Ru NPs possess relatively low activity toward NH 3 decomposition. After high temperature activation treatment, the Gd 2 O 3 overlayer coated Ru NPs show much enhanced intrinsic activity than that of the exposed Ru NPs. This study brings a facile strategy to modulate the catalytic performance of oxide supported Ru catalysts by regulating the SMSI of catalysts.