Cobalt catalysts derived from hydrotalcite-type precursors applied to steam reforming of ethanol

Catalysts derived from Co/Mg/Al hydrotalcite-type precursors modified with La and Ce were characterized by XANES and tested in ethanol steam reforming. The reaction data showed that, with a molar ratio of water:ethanol = 3:1 in the feed, addition of Ce and La favored acetaldehyde production. Increasing the water content (water:ethanol = 5:1) decreased the acetaldehyde formation by favoring the adsorption of water molecules on these samples, enhancing the acetaldehyde conversion.

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► XANES indicated Co interacting strongly with the Mg/Al oxide support.
► The presence of Ce and La weakened the interaction Co-support.
► Ce and La favored acetaldehyde production at the lower feed water content.
► Increasing the water content decreased the acetaldehyde formation on CoCe and CoLa.
► Ce and La favored the adsorption of water molecules and acetaldehyde steam reforming.