Ni catalysts supported over MgAl2O4 modified with Pr for hydrogen production from ethanol steam reforming

MgAl2O4 spinel oxide-supported Ni catalysts modified with Pr have been prepared by wet impregnation method with 8 wt.% Ni and variable loadings of Pr (0–7 wt.%). The samples were characterized by ICP, BET, XRD, TPR, SEM, Raman and TG-TPO and they were tested in ethanol steam reforming reaction.The XRD of the samples revealed the presence of spinel phase MgAl2O4, NiO and weak lines of PrO2/Pr6O11. The addition of Pr slowed down the deactivation rate affecting the amount and the type of carbon deposit. Under reactive conditions, the system with 2.6 Pr wt.% showed the best performance and although it presented filamentous carbon, this catalytic system kept around 80% ethanol conversion during the reaction time (40 h) under severe reforming conditions without reactor plugging.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (139 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ The presence of Pr in Ni supported catalysts showed a positive effect in the ethanol steam reforming. ▶ The catalyst Ni/MgAl2O4 with 2.6 wt.% of Pr showed the best performance in ethanol steam reforming. ▶ The Pr addition slowed down the rate of deactivation affecting the amount and the type of carbon deposits.