Steam conversion of glycerol on Ni and Au-Ni catalysts

During primary screening, catalysts which enable production of syngas or hydrogen from glycerol with high yields under soft conditions were revealed. Nickel and nickel-gold catalysts on various supports support were studied in the reaction of steam conversion of glycerol. Nickel catalysts on acidic supports (F-Al₂O₃ and B₂O₃-Al₂O₃) were ascertained to provide 73% selectivity toward H₂ at temperatures as low as 520°C, glycerol conversion amounting to 48%, which allows one to consider these catalysts to be applicable for H₂ production from glycerol. 30% Ni/Al₂O₃ catalyst produced according to the original sol-gel procedure allows one to obtain syngas with a composition suitable for methanol production at relatively low temperatures (520–570°C) and almost complete glycerol conversion. A strongly pronounced synergetic effect was ascertained for 0.27% Au-0.09% Ni/Al₂O₃. Glycerol conversion on this catalyst at 570°C attains 67%; the composition of the resultant gas mixture is applicable for methanol production.