Fundamental studies on the influence of water on oxidation catalysts for biogas applications

The development of oxiation catalysts for biogas applications, which in large is based on trial-and-error methods, have been slow as compared to the development of for example catalysts for abatement of nitorgen oxides emissions. It is clear that new fundamental research is needed to advance achievemnts within the field. With this background the project is focused on studies of the influence of water on the oxidation of methane and other biogas components like ethane and propane over individual catalyst components, model catalysts with increasing complexity and complete catalyst formulations through the use of state-of-the-art spectroscopic methods (infrared and X-ray absorption) under reactive conditions (in situ). From this knowldege new catalyst concepts with significantly lower sensitivity towards water will be formulated, synthesised and tested. The influence of sulfur on the oxidation function will be considred when designing new catalysts.