Catalyst property of Co–Fe alloy particles in the steam reforming of biomass tar and toluene

Performance of Co–Fe/Al2O3 catalysts with the optimum composition (Fe/Co = 0.25) was much higher than corresponding monometallic Co and Fe catalysts in the steam reforming of tar from the pyrolysis of cedar wood in terms of the catalytic activity and the suppression of coke deposition. According to the catalyst characterization, the fcc and bcc Co–Fe alloys were formed by H2 reduction on the Co–Fe/Al2O3 catalyst. In the steam reforming of toluene, the addition of H2 to the reactant gas enhanced the activity of Co–Fe/Al2O3 remarkably. Without H2 addition, bcc Co–Fe alloy particles were oxidized and this is connected to the deactivation. With H2 addition, the bcc Co–Fe alloy with an appropriate composition is maintained in metallic state and it contribute to high activity in the steam reforming of toluene.

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► The optimized Co–Fe/Al2O3 showed high activity and stability in tar steam reforming.
► The optimized Co–Fe/Al2O3 has high catalytic activity and stability in the toluene steam reforming with H2 addition.
► Most Co and Fe species were reduced to form fcc Co–Fe and bcc Co–Fe alloy.
► The bcc Co–Fe alloy at the suitable composition has high catalytic activity.