Effect of cobalt precursor on the performance of ceria-supported cobalt catalysts for ethanol steam reforming

The effect of cobalt precursor on the performance of Co/CeO2 catalysts in ethanol steam reforming was investigated. The catalysts were characterized using various characterization techniques including H2 chemisorption, temperature-programmed reduction, temperature-programmed desorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. The results obtained from steady-state reaction experiments showed a significantly better catalytic performance over the samples prepared by using organometallic Co precursors (especially, cobalt acetyl acetonate). Characterization results suggest that the organic ligands bound to the cobalt species might facilitate its dispersion on the surface of the CeO2 support, resulting in the improved activity and stability.

Graphical abstractThe effect of cobalt precursor on the performance of Co/CeO2 catalysts in ethanol steam reforming was investigated. The results obtained from steady-state reaction experiments showed a significantly better catalytic performance over the samples prepared by using organometallic Co precursors (especially, cobalt acetyl acetonate). Characterization results suggest a segregation effect for the Co species when they are bound to organic ligands, affecting dispersion and stability.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (108 K)Download as PowerPoint slide