Nickel based monometallic and bimetallic catalysts for synthetic and real bio-oil steam reforming. (28th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bizkarra, K.; Bermudez, J.M.; Arcelus-Arrillaga, P.; Barrio, V.L.; Cambra, J.F.; Millan, M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 43:Number 26(2018)
• Page Start: 11706
• Page End: 11718
• Publication Date: 2018-06-28
• Subjects: Bio-oil -- Bio-glycerol -- Hydrogen -- Monometallic -- Bimetallic -- Steam reforming; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.03.049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Catalysts based on Ni supported on alumina were studied for steam reforming (SR) of a synthetic bio-oil/bio-glycerol mixture and a real bio-oil. Catalyst tests were carried out in a continuous fixed bed reactor at atmospheric pressure and steam to carbon (S/C) ratio of 5.0. In the case of experiments with the bio-oil/bio-glycerol mixture the initial temperature was 1073 K, then it was successively changed to 973 K and 1073 K again to assess catalyst deactivation. Experiments with the bio-oil sample were run at 1073 K. First, the effect of modifications to the alumina support with CeO2 and La2 O3 was studied in monometallic catalysts. Ni/CeO2 Al2 O3 was identified as the catalyst more resistant to deactivation, likely due to its higher oxygen mobility, and selected for further tests. Then, bimetallic catalysts were produced by impregnation of noble metals (Pd, Pt or Rh) on the Ni catalyst supported on CeO2 Al2 O3 . Co-impregnation of Rh and Ni on the CeO2 Al2 O3 support represented a further improvement in the catalytic activity and stability respect to the monometallic catalyst, leading to stable gas compositions close to thermodynamic equilibrium due to the favourable RhNi interactions. RhNi/CeO2 Al2 O3 is therefore a promising catalyst to produce a hydrogen-rich gas from bio-oil SR. Highlights: A synthetic and a real bio-oil were used to produce hydrogen by steam reforming. SR of the real bio-oil gave rise to quick catalyst deactivation. Promotion of the support with CeO2 incorporation was more effective than La2 O3 . Rhodium impregnation increased significantly the catalytic activity and stability.