Bio-ethanol catalytic steam reforming over supported metal catalysts

Considering both the influence of the nature of the metal (Rh, Pt, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe) and the role of the support (gamma-Al2O3, 12%CeO2-Al2O3, CeO2, Ce0.63Zr0.37O2), CO2 is presented as a primary product in the bio-ethanol steam-reforming catalytic reaction (SRR) over some supported metal catalysts. Based on this unexpected observation, a new strategy for maximizing the hydrogen production and minimizing the CO formation is proposed. Any highly selective catalytic formulation should be free of any promoter in the water gas shift reaction (WGSR) which tends to equilibrate the SRR gas towards higher CO concentrations. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.