Autothermal reforming of ethanol on noble metal catalysts

Autothermal reforming of ethanol on zirconia-supported Rh and Pt mono- and bimetallic catalysts (0.5 wt-% total metal loading) was studied as a source of H2-rich gas for fuel cells. The results were compared with those obtained on a commercial steam reforming catalyst (15 wt-% NiO/Al2O3). The Rh-containing catalysts exhibited the highest selectivity for H2 production and were stable in 24 h experiments. The formation of carbonaceous deposits was lower on the noble metal catalysts than on the commercial NiO/Al2O3 catalyst. Thus, the Rh-containing catalysts are more suitable than the commercial NiO/Al2O3 catalysts for the ATR of ethanol.

► 0.5% total metal loading noble metal catalysts are suitable for ATR of EtOH.
► Rh-containing catalysts gave complete EtOH conversion at temperatures above 700 °C.
► High H2 selectivity achieved with Rh-containing catalysts.
► Cs was lower on mono- and bimetallic catalysts than on the commercial NiO/Al2O3.