A review on ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production over Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/CeO2 based catalyst powders

Hydrogen is contemplated as an alternative clean fuel for the future. Ethanol steam reforming (ESR) is a carbon-neutral, sustainable, green hydrogen production method. Low cost Ni/Al₂O₃ and Ni/CeO₂ powder catalysts demonstrate high ESR activity. However, acidic nature of Al₂O₃ and instability of CeO₂ lead to deactivation of the catalysts easily. This article examines the research articles published on the modification of Ni by various noble and non-noble metals and on alteration of the supports by different metal oxides in detail and their effect on ESR all through 2000–2021. The ESR reaction mechanisms on Ni/Al₂O₃ and Ni/CeO₂ powder catalysts and basic thermodynamics for different possible reactions and H₂ yield are explored. Manipulation of catalyst morphology (surface area and particle size) via preparation method, selection of active metal promoter and support modifier are found to be significantly important for H₂ production and minimizing carbon deposition on catalysts.