Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of Ni/CeMnO2 catalysts promoted by copper, cobalt, potassium and iron for ethanol steam reforming

Abstract

Steam reforming of ethanol on CeMnO2-supported Ni with various promoters (Cu, Co, K and Fe) was studied to hydrogen generation in this work. Support was prepared by co-precipitation method. Active metal and promoters were added by impregnation method. Samples were analyzed by BET, XRD, TPR, TPD, TGA, SEM and EDX. Higher conversion was obtained in the samples promoted by Cu and Fe. The catalyst promoted by Fe showed the highest hydrogen yield because of conducting the reaction to dehydrogenation route. Ni–Fe/CeMnO2 also exhibited good stability during 20 h. CO selectivity decreased in the Co-promoted sample compared the others due to the effective role of Co in progress of water-gas shift reaction. Unaccepted performance of K-promoted sample was resulted from low specific surface area and also reduction of Ni dispersion on the surface of the sample with K.