Steam reforming of ethanol by non-noble metal catalysts

Catalytic steam reforming of ethanol (CSRE) is an attractive mode of producing hydrogen as an environmentally -friendly energy carrier. Ethanol can be produced from first-generation fermenting of cheap carbohydrates (e.g. non-food cassava and agricultural residues), and second-generation fermenting of biomass. The catalytic con-version of ethanol requires an appropriate catalyst, operating temperature, and reaction time. Supported noble metal catalysts were previously used. The present work uses novel non-noble catalysts. The most efficient cat-alysts were impregnated in alpha-Al2O3 and fully characterized. The catalytic experiments were conducted between 500 degrees C and 600 degrees C in either electrically-heated fixed bed reactors, or in a solar-heated fluidized bed reactor. The main reaction products were H2 (approximately 5.5 mol H2/mol ethanol), CO, CO2 and CH4. Deactivation of the Co/alpha-Al2O3 catalyst was not observed. Negligible amounts of acetone and acetaldehyde were detected. A maximum hydrogen yield of over 95% was achieved. Pilot-scale investigations were started.

Automated summary

Catalytic steam reforming of ethanol (CSRE) is a promising method for hydrogen production. Ethanol can be derived from low-cost carbohydrates or biomass through fermentation. This study explores the use of novel non-noble catalysts, impregnated in alpha-Al2O3, for CSRE. The catalytic experiments demonstrate high hydrogen yields and negligible catalyst deactivation. Pilot-scale investigations have been initiated.