Hydrogen production by steam reforming of ethanol over mesoporous Ni–Al2O3–ZrO2 aerogel catalyst

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 38; no. 35; pp. 15119 - 15127
• Main Authors: Han, Seung Ju, Bang, Yongju, Yoo, Jaekyeong, Kang, Ki Hyuk, Song, Ji Hwan, Seo, Jeong Gil, Song, In Kyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 22.11.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production; Mesoporous Ni–Al2O3–ZrO2 aerogel catalyst; Nickel surface area; Steam reforming of ethanol; Steam reforming of ethanol; Mesoporous Ni–Al2O3–ZrO2 aerogel catalyst; Nickel surface area; Hydrogen production; Ethanol; Hydrogen; O; ZrO; aerogel catalyst; Nickel; Steam reforming; Mesoporous Ni―Al; Surface area; Catalyst
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.09.114

A mesoporous Ni–Al2O3–ZrO2 aerogel (Ni–AZ) catalyst was prepared by a single-step epoxide-driven sol–gel method and a subsequent supercritical CO2 drying method. For comparison, a mesoporous Al2O3–ZrO2 aerogel (AZ) support was prepared by a single-step epoxide-driven sol–gel method, and subsequently, a mesoporous Ni/Al2O3–ZrO2 aerogel (Ni/AZ) catalyst was prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation method. The effect of preparation method on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activities of Ni–AZ and Ni/AZ catalysts was investigated. Although both catalysts retained a mesoporous structure, Ni/AZ catalyst showed lower surface area than Ni–AZ catalyst. From TPR, XRD, and H2–TPD results, it was revealed that Ni–AZ catalyst retained higher reducibility and higher nickel dispersion than Ni/AZ catalyst. In the hydrogen production by steam reforming of ethanol, both catalysts showed a stable catalytic performance with complete conversion of ethanol. However, Ni–AZ catalyst showed higher hydrogen yield than Ni/AZ catalyst. Superior textural properties, high reducibility, and high nickel surface area of Ni–AZ catalyst were responsible for its enhanced catalytic performance in the steam reforming of ethanol. [Display omitted] •Hydrogen was produced by catalytic steam reforming of ethanol.•A mesoporous Ni–Al2O3–ZrO2 aerogel (Ni–AZ) catalyst was prepared.•A mesoporous Ni/Al2O3–ZrO2 (Ni/AZ) catalyst was prepared.•Ni–AZ catalyst showed higher hydrogen yield than Ni/AZ catalyst.