A investigation of multi-functional Ni/La-Al2O3-CeOx catalyst for bio-tar (simulated-toluene as model compound) conversion

Hydrogen production from toluene (main composition of bio-tar) steam reforming is studied using Ni-based catalysts supported on La modified Al2O3. Rare earths M (Ce, La, Pr, Nd) oxides are used as the modifiers to increase H-2 selectivity and reduce the formation rate of carbon deposition. These catalysts are characterized by N-2 adsorption-desorption, XRD, IR, H-2-TPR, Raman, and SEM-EDS. The characterization results reveal that M oxides (especially Ce) prevent Ni sintering, increase Ni dispersion and thus improve the catalytic activity. The addition of these modifiers also enhances the catalyst stability by inhibiting carbon deposition (improving water adsorption and OH- surface mobility over La-Al2O3 support). It is found that the highest activity and stability are exhibited over Ni/La-Al2O3-CeOx catalyst. The enhancements of the catalyst after modification can be due to the improved textural properties, the stronger metal-support interaction and excellent anti-carbon ability. Ni/La-Al2O3-CeOx catalyst can be considered as a multi-function catalyst. (C) 2019 Energy Institute. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.