Nanoparticle Molybdenum Dioxide: a Highly Active Catalyst for the Partial Oxidation of Aviation Fuels

Nanoparticle molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂) synthesized directly from a reducing ethylene glycol/water solution was found to be highly active for the partial oxidation of dodecane (a surrogate for Jet-A fuel) at 850°C, 1 atm and weight-hourly-space-velocities up to 10 h^-1. Even at these very high flow rates MoO₂ nanoparticle catalyst shows a remarkably high fuel conversion of > 90% with a hydrogen yield of > 70% and an exceptional coking resistance. Under similar environments, conventional Ni-based catalysts and commercial low surface-area MoO₂ quickly deactivate due to coking. In addition, nanoparticle MoO₂ also displays remarkable activity for the particle oxidation of real jet A fuel, with conversions >95% and H₂ yields around 50%, at O₂/C = 0.6. Our results demonstrate that, in its nanoparticle form, MoO₂ represents a very promising alternative to expensive noble metals for the reformation of various logistics fuels.