Cu-promoted Ni-LaCeOx/SBA-15 catalysts for ethanol steam reforming

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 55; pp. 560 - 571
• Main Authors: Dorofeeva, N.V., Putanenko, P.K., Salaev, M.A., Simonov, M.N., Larichev, YuV, Stonkus, O.A., Vodyankina, O.V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.02.2024
• Subjects: Ethanol steam reforming; LaCeOx; Ni catalyst; NiCu bimetallic nanoparticles; SBA-15; SBA-15; Ethanol steam reforming; Ni catalyst; NiCu bimetallic nanoparticles; LaCeOx
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.11.267

Hydrogen is a globally recognized high-energy, clean, and ecofriendly fuel that is currently produced by means of electrocatalysis, biomass conversion, coal gasification, and thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons, with the steam reforming showing high potential. The present work is focused on Cu-promoted SBA-15-supported Ni-LaCeOx catalysts for ethanol steam reforming (ESR). The catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation and characterized by XRF, N2 adsorption-desorption, IR spectroscopy, SAXS, XRD, H2-TPR, Raman, and STA methods. The support features caused by the distribution of LaCeOx NPs and Cu promoter in proper ratios affect the conditions of formation of active dispersed Ni species to determine the catalyst performance and its reducibility. At 800 оС, the NiСu-LaCeOx/SBA-15 (1:1) catalyst demonstrates a 100 % ethanol conversion and 55 % hydrogen yield. Thus, the role of the Cu-containing promoter comprises both a significant decrease of carbon deposits on the catalyst surface and redirecting of the intermediate interactions towards the formation of the desired gaseous products. [Display omitted] •Fluorite-like Ce1−xLaxO2-δ phase is formed on SBA-15 at La:Ce = 1:1.•Ni2+ and modifiers were incorporated into the SBA-15 with formation of Si–O-M bonds.•Basicity of LaCeOx/SBA-15 (9:1) support promotes stronger nickel binding.•Cu increases a Ni2+ reducibility, and bimetallic NiCu nanoparticles are formed.•On Ni-LaCeOx/SBA-15 (1:1), H2 yield at 800 °C increases upon Cu adding from 47 to 57 %.