Preparation of supported nano-sized catalyst particles via a polyol process

Abstract

High activity, supported, nanosized metallic catalysts for methanol reformation and methods of fabricating such catalysts are disclosed. In one embodiment, soluble metal species are dissolved in a polyhydroxylic alcohol (polyol) solution. Platinum and ruthenium are preferred metal species. Other soluble metal species can be used, such as soluble Group 6, 7 and 8 metals. The polyol solvent is preferably a viscous alcohol, such as a diol, triol, or tetraol, to minimize particle diffusion and inhibit particle growth. The polyol solution is heated to reduce the metal(s) to a zero valent state. Typically, the heating temperature will range from 20° C. to 300° C., and the heating period will range from 1 minute to 5 hours. A high surface area conductive support material can be mixed with the polyol solution to form the supported catalysts in situ. Activated carbon, metals, and metal oxides, having a surface area from 20 to 2000 m2/g, are typical support materials.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.