Steam reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production: influence of catalyst composition (Ni/Al2O3, Ni/Al2O3-CeO2, Ni/Al2O3-ZnO) and process conditions

Ethanol steam reforming was studied over Ni supported catalysts. The effects of support (Al2O3, Al2O3-ZnO, and Al2O3-CeO2), metal loading, catalyst activation method, and steam-to-ethanol molar feed ratio were investigated. The properties of catalysts were studied by N-2 physisorption, TPD-CO2, X-ray diffraction, and temperature programmed reduction. After activity tests, the catalysts were analyzed by TOC analysis. The catalytic activity measurements showed that the addition either of ZnO SSor CeO2 to alumina enhances both ethanol conversion and promotes selectivity towards hydrogen formation. The same effects were observed for catalysts with higher metal loadings. High process temperature and high water-to-ethanol ratio were found to be beneficial for hydrogen production. An extended catalyst stability tests showed no loss of activity over 50 h on reaction stream. The TOC analysis of spent catalysts revealed only insignificant amounts of carbon deposit.

Automated summary

Ethanol steam reforming over Ni supported catalysts was studied, with investigations into the effects of different supports, metal loadings, activation methods, and steam-to-ethanol ratios. The addition of ZnO or CeO2 to alumina was found to enhance ethanol conversion and hydrogen selectivity. High process temperature and water-to-ethanol ratio were beneficial for hydrogen production, while catalyst stability tests showed no loss of activity over 50 hours.