Hydrogen production by aqueous-phase reforming of glycerol over nickel catalysts supported on CeO2

Nickel catalysts supported on CeO₂ were prepared and evaluated in aqueous-phase reforming of glycerol. Three different methodologies of synthesis were used: wet impregnation, co-precipitation and combustion, and the catalysts were characterized by chemical composition, textural analysis, crystalline structure and reducibility. The reaction was carried out in a batch reactor with solution of 1 and 10 wt.% glycerol, at 523 and 543 K. A maximum glycerol conversion of 30% was achieved by the catalyst prepared by combustion at 543 K using solution 1% glycerol. In the gas phase, the molar fraction of H₂ was always higher than 70% and formation of CH₄ was very low (< 1%). The increase in glycerol concentration decreases the conversion and H₂ formation.