Interactions between CeO2 and NixPy for enhancing coking and sulfur resistance in autothermal reforming of liquid hydrocarbons

► The nickel phosphide supported on ceria induces the reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+ ions in the ceria support underneath. ► The Ce3+ ions present at the surface of support sustain water-gas shift reaction and enhance tolerance to coking and sulfur. ► Doping ceria by Gd(III) weakens the reducibility of Ce4+ ions in the ceria supported nickel phosphide catalyst.