Tailored macroporous SiCN and SiC structures for high-temperature fuel reforming

In Kyung Sung, Christian, Michael Mitchell, Dong Pyo Kim, Paul J.A. Kenis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The catalytic reforming of hydrocarbons in a microreformer is an attractive approach to supply hydrogen to fuel cells while avoiding storage and safety issues. High-surface-area catalyst supports must be stable above 800 °C to avoid catalyst coking; however, many porous materials lose their high surface areas below 800 °C. This paper describes an approach to fabricate macroporous silicon carbonitride (SiCN) and silicon carbide (SiC) monoliths with geometric surface areas of 105 to 108 m2 per m3 that are stable up to 1200 °C. These structures are fabricated by capillary filling of packed beds of polystyrene or silica spheres with low-viscosity preceramic polymers. Subsequent curing, pyrolysis, and removal of the spheres yielded SiCN and SiC inverted beaded monoliths with a chemical composition and pore morphology that are stable in air at 1200 °C. Thus, these structures are promising as catalyst supports for high-temperature fuel reforming.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1336-1342
Number of pages7
JournalAdvanced Functional Materials
Volume15
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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