Further insights into the Ru nanoparticles–carbon interactions and their role in the catalytic properties Original Research Article

Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and CO adsorption microcalorimetry along with the catalytic behaviour in the n-butane/H2 test reaction were performed in order to determine the specific interactions of Ru nanoparticles supported on different carbon materials. Aspects such as the porous structure and surface chemistry (presence and elimination of surface oxygen functional groups) of the carbon material, or the effect of the metal precursor (e.g. presence of residual chlorine) on the final metal dispersion and on the surface structure of the Ru nanoparticles have been studied.