Layered double hydroxide derived Co0.3 Mg2.7Al1-xFexO4.5 ± δ catalysts for hydrogen production via auto-thermal reforming of bio-ethanol

Layered double hydroxide-derived Co0.3 Mg2.7Al1-xFexO4.5 ± δ catalysts were prepared via co-precipitation and tested in auto-thermal reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production. The layered double hydroxide precursors show typical hydrotalcite-like structures and form a similar MgO cubic structure after calcination. Compared with iron-free catalyst, the Co0.3 Mg2.7Al0.9Fe0.1O4.5 ± δ performs better in auto-thermal reforming of ethanol: the conversion of ethanol remains near 100%, and the H2 yield stays above 3.2 mol H2/mol EtOH throughout the 30-h test. The improved performance can be attributed to the stable Cobalt species within Mg(Al)O matrix, the higher surface area, and the synergic effects of Co and Fe.