Promoting effect of small amount of Fe addition onto Co catalyst supported on α-Al2O3 for steam reforming of ethanol

We examined the promotion effect of loading small amounts of Fe onto various Co catalysts for steam reforming of ethanol. Among these catalysts, catalysts supported on SrTiO3 and α-Al2O3 showed remarkable effects of iron loading onto cobalt catalyst. The Fe-loaded Co/α-Al2O3 showed higher yield of hydrogen, low coke deposition on the catalysts, and high activity for steam reforming of acetaldehyde, which was an intermediate of the steam reforming of ethanol. Characterization of the catalyst revealed that Fe and Co metal coexisted on the catalyst support. Synergetic effects of these two metals were observed.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (120 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Fe/Co/α-Al2O3 catalyst showed high activity for steam reforming of ethanol. ▶ The formation of CH4 and deposited-carbon was suppressed by our catalyst. ▶ Fe addition to the catalyst selectively promoted steam reforming of CH3CHO. ▶ Interactions among Co particles, Fe particles and catalyst-support were important.