Effect of lanthanide promotion on catalytic performance of sol-gel Ni/Al2O3 catalysts in steam reforming of propane

The effect of lanthanide elements (La, Ce, and Yb) on the catalytic behavior of sol-gel Ni/Al2O3 catalysts in propane steam reforming was investigated. The changes in reaction performance are related to catalyst reducibility, nickel surface area and resistance to deactivation. In situ DRIFTS results reveal mechanistic transformations after propane adsorption and subsequent reaction with water.