Low Temperature Steam Reforming of Ethanol Over Supported Noble Metal Catalysts

• Published in: Topics in catalysis Vol. 51; no. 1-4; pp. 2 - 12
• Main Authors: Basagiannis, Aristides C., Panagiotopoulou, Paraskevi, Verykios, Xenophon E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-12-2008
• Subjects: Catalysis; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Original Paper; Pharmacy; Physical Chemistry; Noble metal catalyst; Ru; Pt; Pd; Ethanol steam reforming; Rh; Al; Hydrogen production; O
• ISSN: 1022-5528; 1572-9028
• DOI: 10.1007/s11244-008-9130-z

The catalytic activity of M/Al
2
O
3
catalysts for the reaction of steam reforming of ethanol has been investigated in the temperature range of 300–450 °C. It has been found that the catalytic performance varies in the order of Pt > Pd > Rh > Ru, with Pt exhibiting high activity and selectivity toward hydrogen production, as well as long term stability at low temperatures. It is shown that the reaction occurs in a bifunctional manner, with the participation of both the dispersed metallic phase and the support. Ethanol interacts strongly with the Al
2
O
3
carrier, promoting mainly ethanol dehydration, while in the presence of Pt, catalytic activity is shifted toward lower temperatures. Ethanol decomposition and dehydrogenation reactions dominate at low temperatures, while reforming, water-gas shift and methanation contribute significantly to product distribution.