Synthesis and evaluation of highly dispersed SBA-15 supported Ni–Fe bimetallic catalysts for steam reforming of biomass derived tar reaction. Issue 12 (8th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kathiraser, Y.; Ashok, J.; Kawi, S.
• Is Part Of: Catalysis science & technology. Volume 6:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 4327
• Page End: 4336
• Publication Date: 2016-02-08
• Subjects: Catalysis -- Periodicals; 541.395
• DOI: 10.1039/c5cy01910a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-4753

Abstract

Abstract : Highly dispersed Ni–Fe bimetallic catalysts supported on mesoporous SBA-15 were synthesized via an incipient wetness impregnation method by impregnation of a small amount of oleic acid mixed with a metal precursor on the SBA-15 support. Abstract : Highly dispersed Ni–Fe bimetallic catalysts supported on mesoporous SBA-15 were synthesized via an incipient wetness impregnation method by impregnation of a small amount of oleic acid mixed with a metal precursor on the SBA-15 support. This catalyst system was then tested for the steam reforming of biomass tar. Cellulose was used as a biomass model compound for this reaction. Among the various compositions tested, an optimum catalyst composition of 6Ni–1Fe/SBA-15 gave superior catalytic performance in terms of stability and activity. At 600 °C, about 90% of biomass was converted to gaseous products over the 6Ni–1Fe/SBA-15 catalyst, which was the highest among all the catalysts tested. From X-ray diffraction analysis, the Ni metal and Ni–Fe alloy crystallite sizes were barely distinguishable due to the formation of nano-catalysts less than 3 nm in size. Metal particles of less than 3 nm in size were further confirmed through TEM analysis. Moreover, temperature programmed reduction studies indicate a uniform distribution of bi-metallic Ni–Fe species which possess strong metal–support interactions with the mesoporous SBA-15 support. This was also indicated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. TGA studies over the spent catalysts showed that all Fe containing catalysts generally had lower carbon deposition rates compared to those over the 7Ni/SBA-15 catalyst.