Catalytic active sites for H₂ production from bio-alcohols over transition metal oxide nanoparticles

Nowadays, over 90% H₂ is still produced from steam reforming of natural gas. This process requires high temperature operation. Moreover, the natural gas is mostly provided from fossil fuel resources. In order to minimize the environmental impact, hydrogen produced from biomass resources is a major incentive in the DOE, NSF and other funding agencies. The synthesis of functional nanomaterials offers a unique opportunity to make the breakthrough discoveries and truly revolutionary developments to meet these challenges. Fundamental understanding the chemical and structural properties of this type of catalysts is essential for developing a better catalyst. H₂ produced from bio-alcohols over Pt clusters supported on a series of transition metal oxide nanoparticles will be illustrated here. The catalytic active sites for this reaction system will be discussed in detail.