Influence of the Crystal Structure of Titanium Oxide on the Catalytic Activity of Rh/TiO2 in Steam Reforming of Propane at Low Temperature

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) reduce CO2 emissions due to their high‐energy‐conversion efficiency. Although SOFCs can convert LPG directly, coking occurs easily by decomposition of hydrocarbons, including C−C bonds on the electrode of fuel cell stacks. It is therefore necessary to develop an active steam pre‐reforming catalyst that eliminates the hydrocarbons at low temperature, in which waste heat of SOFCs is used. Herein, we show that the crystal structure of the TiO2 that anchors Rh particles is crucial for catalytic activity of Rh/TiO2 catalysts for propane pre‐reforming. Our experimental results revealed that strong metal support interaction (SMSI) induced during H2 pre‐reduction were optimized over Rh/TiO2 with a rutile structure; this catalyst catalyzed the reaction much more effectively than conventional Rh/γ‐Al2O3. In contrast, the SMSI was too strong for Rh/TiO2 with an anatase structure, and the surface of the Rh particles was therefore covered mostly with partially reduced TiO2. The result was very low activity. Sustainable chemistry: Crystal structure of TiO2 support is critical for catalytic activity of Rh/TiO2 catalysts in propane pre‐reforming. Strong metal support interaction (SMSI) induced during H2 pre‐reduction was optimized over Rh/TiO2 with rutile structure, and the catalyst catalyzed the reaction effectively. In contrast, Rh/TiO2 with anatase structure showed very low activity due to too strong SMSI (see figure).