Combinatorial approach to the preparation and characterization of catalysts for biomass steam reforming into syngas

A number of catalysts based on Al2O3 loaded with doped Ce-Zr mixed oxides and different active components (Cu, Cu-Ni, Ru, Pt, etc.) were synthesized via standard wet impregnation method using the robotic workstation. Ethanol (EtOH) was taken as a model compound of bio-oil and steam reforming of ethanol (ESR)—as a model reaction. Activity screening experiments performed at 600–700 °C in 0.5 vol.% C2H5OH + 2.5 vol.% H2O + 97 vol.% He mixture revealed that the most effective catalyst composition is Ru/Ce0.4Zr0.4Sm0.2/Al2O3. Catalytic activity investigations at high reagent concentrations (10 vol.% C2H5OH + 40 vol.% H2O + 50 vol.% N2) at 650–800 °C confirmed this fact, revealing also that at high temperatures the activity of Cu-Ni catalysts is comparable with that of Ru-containing catalyst.