The study of the performance of PtNi/CeO2–nanocube catalysts for low temperature steam reforming of ethanol

• The main reaction pathway over the bimetallic catalyst is the ethanol decomposition.
• Pt addition to Ni/CeO2 improved catalyst activity and stability for LTSR of ethanol.
• Pt segregation to the surface of the Ni particles minimized the formation of NiCx.
• Pt increases the hydrogenation rate of highly active carbon species formed.
• Pt decreased the formation of nickel carbide and promoted catalyst stability.

Promotion of Ni/CeO2-nanocube with small amounts of Pt was shown to significantly enhance catalyst stability for steam reforming of ethanol. The main reaction pathway appeared to be essentially ethanol decomposition toward carbon oxides (CO/CO2), H2 and CH4. Further investigation of the stabilizing effect brought about by the presence of the noble metal by different techniques (XPS, TPSR, ethanol TPD, in-situ XAFS) revealed that Pt segregation toward the surface of the Ni particles minimized the formation of nickel carbide phase and consequently decreased catalyst deactivation. Pt addition promotes the hydrogenation of highly active carbon species adsorbed at the surface at a higher rate than carbon diffusion into bulk nickel. These findings points to an alternative way for minimizing the problem of carbon buildup on Ni-based catalysts for steam reforming of ethanol.

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