Hydrotalcite-type precursors of active catalysts for hydrogen production

The effects that the composition of hydrotalcite (HT)-type precursors and their method of preparation have on the chemical–physical properties and catalytic performances of systems which are active in the partial oxidation and steam reforming of methane to produce H2 were investigated. The key role of the structure of the HT compounds in the development of active catalysts is reported for Ni- and noble metal-based catalysts, which were prepared by controlled thermal decomposition of carbonate- or silicate-containing precursors. We highlight specific features which appear to be a function of the divalent to trivalent atomic ratio and/or nature of the anion present. Furthermore, we also report the advantages of coating ceramic and metallic supports with HT phases using coprecipitation and a novel type of electrochemical synthesis, respectively.