Catalyst deactivation and regeneration in low temperature ethanol steam reforming with Rh/CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts

Rh/CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts with various CeO2/ZrO2 ratios have been applied to H-2 production from ethanol steam reforming at low temperatures. The catalysts all deactivated with time on stream (TOS) at 350 degrees C. The addition of 0.5% K has a beneficial effect on catalyst stability, while 5% K has a negative effect on catalytic activity. The catalyst could be regenerated considerably even at ambient temperature and could recover its initial activity after regeneration above 200 degrees C with 1% O-2. The results are most consistent with catalyst deactivation due to carbonaceous deposition on the catalyst.