Hydrogen production by aqueous-phase reforming of ethanol over nickel catalysts prepared from hydrotalcite precursors

Derived hydrotalcite catalysts, with different Ni loadings, were prepared and tested in aqueous-phase reforming of ethanol. Upon calcination of the hydrotalcite-like compounds, there was formation of MgO periclase-type phase, where both nickel and aluminum oxides are well dispersed. The mixed oxides showed only one reduction peak in temperature range of 900–1000 °C. The catalytic tests were carried out in a batch reactor with an aqueous solution of 1 wt.% ethanol at different temperatures (200, 230 and 250 °C). The derived hydrotalcite catalysts showed high activity, with 65% of ethanol conversion at 230 °C, high hydrogen selectivity and lower methane production than alumina supported nickel catalyst.