Artículos SCI

Four different mono and bimetallic Ni–Co/ZrO₂ catalysts have been studied by means of in situ XAS, X-ray diffraction, TPR, and measurements of the catalytic activity in the dry reforming reaction of methane (DRM). Even though the cobalt monometallic system has no activity for the methane reforming reaction, both bimetallic catalysts (with 1:1 and 1:2 Ni/Co ratio, respectively), showed a better activity and stability than the nickel monometallic system. The XRD data indicate that a mixed cobalt–nickel spinel is formed by calcination of the precursor solids, leading to the formation of an alloy of both metals after reduction in hydrogen. In situ XAS experiments showed a much better resistance of metals in the bimetallic systems to be oxidized under reaction conditions at temperatures until 750 °C. After these results, we proposed the formation in the bimetallic systems of a more reducible nickel–cobalt alloy phase, which remains completely metallic in contact with the CO₂/CH₄ reaction mixture at any temperature. The presence of adjacent nickel and cobalt sites seems to avoid the deactivation of cobalt in the DRM reaction. In the case of cobalt sites, the presence of adjacent nickel atoms seems to prevent the deposition of carbon over the cobalt sites, now showing its higher activity in the dry reforming reaction. Simultaneously, this higher activity of the cobalt sites in the bimetallic system produces more hydrogen as a product, maintaining the nickel atoms completely reduced under reaction conditions. This synergic effect accounts for the better performance of the bimetallic systems and points at both, the oxidation state of nickel particles under reaction conditions and the carbon deposition processes, as important factors responsible for differences in catalytic activities and stabilities in this hydrocarbon reaction.

The compressive strength of SiC-fiber bonded ceramics obtained from hot-pressed amorphous Si-Al-C-O fibers and its degradation by high temperature exposure to an oxidizing environment was studied. Compressive strength was measured at room temperature as a function of strain rate, orientation, and oxidation temperature. Weight loss was monitored as a function of exposure time in atmospheric air at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1600°C, for times ranging from 0.5 to 5. h. Room-temperature compressive strength had a moderate decrease after exposures at 800°C associated to carbon burnout; increased for exposures in the range 1000-1500°C due to a defect-blunting action of the silica scale; and decreased significantly at 1600°C due to extensive surface recession.