In situ XANES study of Cobalt in Co-Ce-Al catalyst applied to Steam Reforming of Ethanol reaction

- Co5Ce10Al catalyst is highly active in SRE reaction.
- XANES showed structural changes from CoAl2O4 to CoO and Co.
- Ce decrease the thermal stability of CoAl2O4.

The effect of ceria in cobalt-ceria-alumina catalyst was studied using in situ X-ray near edge spectroscopy (XANES) at Co K-edge and Ce LIII-edge. The introduction of ceria in this catalyst resulted in a significant removal of Co from CoAl2O4 spinel phase to Co and CoO phases. The Co K-edge revealed the symmetry changes in Co according to the temperature and atmosphere in reduction process. We also showed the stability of Co sites as well the oxidation state of ceria in operando steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) reaction. After reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+, no significant changes were observed by XANES. Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis showed a high ethanol conversion at 500 °C, high hydrogen yield and low formation of undesired products as methane and ethylene. The results showed a Co/Ce/Al2O3 catalyst as promising material to be applied in hydrogen production in SRE reaction.

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