NiO-Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 catalysts prepared by citric acid method for steam reforming of ethanol

NiO-Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 catalysts were prepared by citrate method and used for hydrogen production from steam reforming of ethanol (SRE). The effect of nickel content and space velocity on the catalytic performance was investigated. The prepared catalysts were characterized with XRD and thermal analysis techniques. 20%NiO-Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 catalyst was very active and selective for hydrogen production via SRE, in which ethanol conversion of 100% could be obtained with feed component of 20% (H2O+EtOH) and 80% N2, water/ethanol of 3/1 in molar ratio at 350 °C. Also, the catalyst showed good stability for anti-sintering and carbon-resistance. The XRD illuminated that both NiO and Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 crystal sizes were very small in NiO-Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 catalyst, and Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 solid solution was formed.