Iron-promoted nickel-based catalysts for hydrogen generation via auto-thermal reforming of ethanol

A series of iron-promoted nickel-based catalysts were prepared, and tested in auto-thermal reforming (ATR) of ethanol for hydrogen generation. With iron introduction, mixed crystals of NiAl2O4–FeAl2O4 spinel phase are formed, which results in modifications in reduction properties and surface electronic properties. The reaction results show a synergic effect of mixed crystals that significantly promotes the catalytic performance: over 10 wt.% iron loading nickel catalyst, conversion of ethanol at 98.43% and selectivity to hydrogen at 108.71% can be achieved at 600 °C in ATR of ethanol, which is higher than that of the conventional Ni catalyst (i.e. by 47.44% on hydrogen selectivity).