Steam reforming of ethanol over Ni/support catalysts for generation of hydrogen for fuel cell applications

The paper reports experimental results concerning the influence of the support nature (TiO₂, ZnO, Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃–Fe₂O₃) of nickel catalysts on their activity, selectivity and coking phenomenon in the steam reforming of ethanol in the range of 570–870 K. The chemical transformations of ethanol occurring on the catalyst support make its chemical nature an important factor affecting the productivity and selectivity of the process. It was found that the most suitable supports in nickel catalysts designed for hydrogen generation in the steam reforming of ethanol are ZnO and TiO₂. Taking into consideration both the efficiency of hydrogen generation and the intensity of carbon deposition, the optimum temperature of the process of the steam reforming of ethanol is below 750 K. An improvement in the selectivity of hydrogen generation and diminishing of the formation of undesirable products may be obtained by promoting nickel catalysts with sodium.