UPThèses

This research work is devoted to the study of catalytic reforming of exhaust gas recirculation (REGR) for gasoline engines. The aim of this technology is to improve fuel economy and to reduce pollutant emissions, keeping practically the same engine. A lot of catalysts, containing 1wt% of Rh, supported on alumina doped by ceria, Al(Cex) and/or baryum, AlBa(Cex) or on zirconia doped by rare earth oxides ZLNY(Cex), were characterized and evaluated in REGR conditions for high (580°C) and l ow (450°C) temperatures. The Rh(1wt%)/ZLNY(Cex) catalysts present the best activity and/or stability, the Rh(1wt%)/ZLNY catalyst being the most selective for hydrogen production. From the best catalytic formulation, two fundamental studies were carried out in REGR conditions in order to understand the role of the co-reactants and the surface species on the catalyst performance and deactivation, and to determine the reaction scheme for the main reactions (steam reforming, dry reforming and methane formation).