A CuNi bimetallic catalyst was synthesized using solution combustion
synthesis. This catalyst was found to be more active and
selective for hydrogen production from ethanol decomposition
reaction than the individual metals, Cu and Ni. The maximum
hydrogen selectivity for CuNi catalyst was obtained to be 41% at 200 C. Increased fuel content in the solution combustion produces
reduced metals compared to low fuel content where metal oxides
are the only products. In situ XANES and EXAFS studies indicate
that copper oxide reduction is faster and more complete than the
nickel oxide reduction, nonetheless both the metal oxides tend to
reduce quickly in the first few minutes of the reduction process.
The re-oxidation of the reduced phases displays similar tendency.
Nickel gets oxidized faster than copper showing more affinity to
oxygen than copper.