Role of Fe in Co–Fe particle catalysts for suppressing CH4 production during ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production

• Ethanol steam reforming at 723 K over Co and Co–Fe particle catalysts was examined.
• An fcc CoO phase was formed by adding Fe to Co particle catalyst.
• Methanation of CO and CO2 over the fcc CoO phase was suppressed.
• CH4 production during ethanol steam reforming over Co–Fe catalysts was suppressed.

To elucidate the mechanism of H2 production during ethanol steam reforming over Co and Co–Fe particle catalysts, the role of Fe in Co–Fe particle catalysts was examined. Acetaldehyde and CH4 are key intermediates during H2 production in ethanol steam reforming. We therefore compared the performances of Co–Fe particle catalysts and a Co particle catalyst with respect to acetaldehyde steam reforming and CH4 production. Over Co–Fe catalysts with molar Co–Fe ratios of 95:5 and 90:10, CH4 production during ethanol steam reforming could be suppressed by adding Fe to Co particle catalysts. A face-centered-cubic CoO phase was formed by adding Fe to the Co particle catalyst, and CH4 production over the face-centered-cubic CoO phase was less than that over Co metal. Consequently, CH4 production during ethanol steam reforming over the 95:5 and 90:10 Co–Fe catalysts was lower than CH4 production over the Co particle catalyst, and H2 production was enhanced.