Stability of Ni catalysts promoted with niobia for butanol steam reforming

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy Vol. 143; p. 105882
• Main Authors: Menezes, João Paulo da S.Q., Dias, Adriana P. dos S., da Silva, Mônica A.P., Souza, Mariana M.V.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2020
• Subjects: Butanol; Coke; Hydrogen; Nickel; Niobia; Butanol; Nickel; Niobia; Hydrogen; Coke
• ISSN: 0961-9534; 1873-2909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2020.105882

Nickel catalysts were synthesized by wet impregnation of different supports: γ-Al2O3 and alumina promoted with 10 wt% Nb2O5. The catalysts were evaluated in butanol steam reforming at 500 °C, atmospheric pressure and GHSV of 500,000 h−1. Niobia addition increased nickel dispersion (1.9%) and reducibility (99%) by decreasing nickel aluminate formation. Moreover, catalyst acidity was reduced from 3.1 to 2.2 μmol NH3 m−2 and became weaker by niobia incorporation. The promoted catalyst presented higher mean hydrogen yield (55%) and stability, associated with the higher dispersion and lower amount of coke formation by carbon converted (2.8 mmol L mol−1). [Display omitted] •Niobia incorporation on Ni/Al2O3 was evaluated in butanol steam reforming reaction.•Nb2O5 addition increased nickel dispersion (1.9%) and reducibility (99%).•Niobia addition decreased density of acid sites from 3.1 to 2.2 μmol NH3 m−2.•Ni/Nb2O5–Al2O3 exhibited higher H2 yield (55%) and stability at 500 °C for 30 h.•Niobia promoted coke burning during the reaction, preventing deactivation.