Carbon deposition on Ni/ZrO2–CeO2 catalyst during steam reforming of acetic acid

Steam reforming of acetic acid, one model compounds of bio-oil, was studied on the Ni/ZrO2–CeO2 catalysts which were prepared by the impregnation method. The results showed that high acetic acid conversion and hydrogen yield were obtained in the temperature range of 650–750 °C when H2O/HAC ratio was 3. Nevertheless, the catalyst deactivation was caused by carbon deposition eventually with time-on-stream. In order to discuss the behavior of the carbon deposition on the Ni/ZrO2–CeO2 catalyst during steam reforming of bio-oil, the structure and morphology of carbon deposition were investigated by BET, XRD, TG/DTA, TPR, SEM and EDX techniques. All the experimental results showed acetone and CO were the important carbon precursors of acetic acid reforming and the graphitic-like carbon was the main type of carbon deposition on the surface of the deactivated 12%Ni/CeO2–ZrO2 catalyst.

► The Ni/ZrO2–CeO2 catalysts were used in the steam reforming reaction of acetic acid.
► The results showed that it could give high acetic acid conversion and hydrogen yield.
► The stability tests showed acetone and CO was the important carbon precursors.
►  The graphitic-like carbon is the main type of carbon deposition in the deactivation.